China Unveils World's Largest Liquid Air Energy Storage Plant in Gobi Desert

Pioneering Energy Storage in the Gobi Desert

China has officially unveiled the world's largest liquid-air energy storage plant, an innovative facility known as the 'Super Air Power Bank'. Located in the Gobi Desert, specifically outside Golmud city in the Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, this project represents a major leap in sustainable energy solutions. The plant was developed by the China Green Development Investment Group (CGDG) in collaboration with the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (TIPC-CAS). It is designed to harness the power of extreme cold to store energy, aiming to stabilize the grid and integrate fluctuating renewable energy sources.

How the 'Super-Cold Air Battery' Works

The 'Super Air Power Bank' employs Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) technology. This process involves compressing and cooling ambient air to an ultra-low temperature of -194°C (-317°F), at which point it liquefies. This liquid air is then stored in insulated tanks. When electricity is needed, the liquid air is released and heated, causing it to expand over 750 times its liquid volume. This powerful expansion drives turbines to generate electricity. The system operates as a closed loop, efficiently storing off-peak power for use during peak demand.

Capacity and Environmental Impact

This massive facility boasts a total power output of 60,000 kilowatts (60 MW) and an energy storage capacity of 600,000 kilowatt-hours (600 MWh). It is capable of running continuously for 10 hours per discharge cycle and is projected to generate approximately 180 million kWh annually. This output is sufficient to power around 30,000 homes each year. A significant advantage of LAES technology is its minimal environmental footprint; it uses air as its working medium, resulting in no carbon dioxide or pollutant emissions during operation. The plant also features a long service life and is not constrained by geographical limitations, making it ideal for harsh environments like the Gobi Desert.

Strategic Role in Renewable Energy Integration

The 'Super Air Power Bank' is instrumental in addressing the challenges associated with the intermittency of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. By storing surplus energy generated during periods of low demand and releasing it when demand is high, the plant helps to balance grid fluctuations and reduce renewable energy curtailment. The project is further supported by a 250,000-kilowatt photovoltaic project, providing a green, self-supplied charging capability. This initiative underscores China's commitment to advancing new-type energy storage solutions and promoting a sustainable energy future.