China's Long-Duration Storage Boom: CAES and Flow Battery Milestones
China is rapidly accelerating its long-duration energy storage portfolio, marked by massive compressed air energy storage (CAES) projects and new flow battery deployments. A recent highlight is the successful performance test of the Ulanqab multi-source heat storage compressed air energy hub, which verified stable full-capacity power generation and marked the first successful implementation of a regional physical storage demonstration project.
Gigawatt-Scale CAES and Underground Storage
In Jiangsu province, the Huaneng Jintan 2×350 MW salt cavern CAES project, the world's largest of its kind, successfully completed the full-unit startup of its second phase. Meanwhile, in Gansu, the 300 MW CAES plant achieved a record-breaking first-stage gas injection test in its underground reservoir, reaching 12.63 MPa and setting a new global record for pressure in artificial cavern storage.
These physical storage milestones are complemented by rapid advancements in electrochemical long-duration technologies, particularly vanadium and organic flow batteries across multiple provinces.
In Hubei, a massive 350 MW/2,100 MWh novel CAES project has officially completed its filing, with construction slated to begin in mid-2028. In Xinjiang, the 100 MW carbon dioxide storage project successfully completed its turbine spin test, paving the way for grid connection.
Flow battery deployments are also expanding. Shanxi province recently commenced construction on an 820 MW/3,280 MWh storage project in the Jinbei coal mining subsidence area, which includes a 20 MW vanadium flow battery component. Additionally, Guangdong province officially commissioned a comprehensive storage demonstration project featuring both vanadium and aqueous organic flow batteries to enhance grid resilience. These diverse projects underscore China's comprehensive strategy to secure its renewable energy grid.
This article was assisted by AI analysis. Please refer to the original source for official information.