Land acquisition for compressed air energy storage in canberra

What is the first underground compressed air storage facility in Australia?

It will be the first time underground compressed air storage technology has been used in Australia. (Supplied: Hydrostor) A $638 million renewable energy project has been approved at a disused mine on the outskirts of Broken Hill. The "first-of-its-kind" underground compressed air storage facility will be built by Canadian company Hydrostor.

How does compressed air work in Australia?

The compressed air is sent down a shaft into a purpose-built underground cavern. When energy is required, compressed air is sent back up the shaft to drive a turbine, which generates electricity that can be used to stabilize the local grid, provide energy for Broken Hill, or be sold into Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM) grid.

How will a new energy storage facility benefit Australia?

The expansion of this heated air through turbines drives the generation of electricity, feeding power back into the grid. This large-scale, long-duration energy storage facility is poised to reinforce the reliability of the NSW electricity grid while supporting Australia’s transition to renewable energy sources.

Will a long-term compressed air storage facility avoid future outages?

Land deal signed for long duration compressed air storage facility at Broken Hill that the government says will avoid future outages. But it still needs some rule changes to get going.

Is compressed air energy storage a mature form of deep storage?

Compressed air energy storage (CAES) is considered a mature form of deep storage due to its components being firmly “de-risked” but few projects are operating in the Western world. A project in the remote New South Wales town of Broken Hill promises to lead the way. From pv magazine print edition 3/24

Will a new energy storage facility be built near Broken Hill?

Photo: Supplied. The NSW state government has signed a key land deal near Broken Hill that will help pave the way for a groundbreaking underground energy storage facility that will replace the city’s ageing diesel generators and create a renewable-based mini grid for the region.