Construction of canberra compressed air energy storage power station begins

Is Australia's first compressed air energy storage project a win for South Australia?

The Liberal-National Government is backing Australia's first compressed air energy storage project, in what is a major win for South Australia and the state's energy grid.

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 does compressed air work?

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 stabilise the local grid, provide energy for Broken Hill, or be sold into the National Electricity Market (NEM).

Will Hydrostor build a 200 MW CAES facility in NSW?

Canadian company Hydrostor has secured NSW government approval to build a 200 MW/1.6 GWh CAES facility in a disused mine cavity near Broken Hill in the west of the state.

Does Australia need more energy storage?

The $25 billion pipeline of investment in variable renewable energy in Australia over the three years to 2020 requires additional investment in energy storage to deliver reliable 24/7 power.