压缩空气储能产业发展有望提速——访中储国能总经理纪律

Core Viewpoint - The rapid development of new energy storage technologies, particularly compressed air energy storage (CAES), is becoming a significant support for the new power system in China, with installed capacity exceeding 75 million kilowatts as of February 2024, and utilization hours expected to double compared to 2023 [1][2]. Group 1: Technology and Efficiency - Compressed air energy storage typically has a storage capacity of 4 to 10 hours and is recognized for its high power output, large capacity, long lifespan, and environmental safety, making it a favored technology in the market [2]. - The efficiency of CAES systems has improved significantly, with the rated efficiency increasing from 52.1% for a 1.5 MW system 12 years ago to 72.1% for a current 300 MW system, indicating ongoing technological advancements [2]. - The company aims to enhance the single-unit scale of CAES and reduce losses through thermal recovery and energy conversion innovations, which will lead to both efficiency improvements and cost reductions [2]. Group 2: Market Demand and Renewable Energy - The growth of long-duration large-scale energy storage technologies, including CAES, is closely linked to the continuous increase in renewable energy installations, with renewable energy capacity reaching 1.889 billion kilowatts by the end of 2024, a 25% year-on-year increase [3]. - The share of new energy storage projects with a duration of 4 hours or more has risen to 15.4%, reflecting the growing demand for such technologies [3]. Group 3: Future Prospects and Marketization - The increasing demand for renewable energy will enhance the need for grid regulation capabilities, creating broader development opportunities for long-duration large-scale energy storage [4]. - The market for energy storage will require diverse solutions, including short-term, medium-term, and long-term storage technologies, with CAES being a viable option for peak regulation [4]. - The future of energy storage must be market-driven, addressing issues such as pricing mechanisms and the need for a complete industrial chain and standard system to fully realize the market value of CAES [5].