A landmark achievement has been reached in the field of large-scale energy storage, as the world's first 300 MW-class underground cavern compressed air energy storage power station has successfully completed its initial phase of gas injection testing. The facility, developed and constructed by China Energy Engineering Group, is located in the Jiuquan Demonstration Project in Gansu Province, where the fourth underground gas storage cavern achieved a maximum injection pressure of 12.63 MPa. This marks a new world record for the highest pressure in a compressed air energy storage artificial cavern, simultaneously setting unprecedented global standards for the largest cross-section and the greatest volumetric capacity for such storage solutions.
Throughout the entire testing cycle, the gas storage cavern performed exceptionally well, exhibiting flawless operational status and superior performance metrics across all key indicators. This successful trial follows the verification achieved at the in-situ test platform in Wangcheng, Hunan Province, further validating the mature engineering capabilities behind China Energy Engineering Group's complete set of technologies for artificial cavern gas storage in compressed air energy systems. The breakthrough signifies a monumental shift from scientific research and exploration to full-scale engineering application for China's large-scale artificial cavern gas storage technology.
Looking at the technical specifications, the project boasts a total installed capacity of 300 MW and is equipped with a single 300 MW/1800 MWh compressed air energy storage generating unit. The system is designed for an 8-hour charging duration and a 6-hour discharging duration, capable of operating for up to 330 days per year. It utilizes China's most advanced fully independent innovation technology pathway, which integrates non-combustion replenishment, adiabatic compression, multi-media wide-temperature heat storage, and artificial cavern storage. The project stands out globally due to several pioneering features: it operates with the world's largest pressurized artificial cavern, achieves the highest comprehensive electrical-to-electrical conversion efficiency, deploys the most high-parameter compression and energy storage systems and equipment, and introduces the world's first shared technology for charging and discharging heat exchange devices.
Additionally, it showcases a world-leading multi-media, wide-temperature-range heat storage and exchange system, alongside the first-of-its-kind high internal pressure, large cross-section tunnel-type gas storage sealing technology. Confronting the numerous uncertainties and inherent risks associated with the first gas injection into the storage cavern, the project team dedicated themselves relentlessly, working around the clock on site. They meticulously refined test contingency plans, repeatedly simulated changing operational conditions, and maintained close surveillance on critical parameters. By precisely controlling the gas injection rate and the pace of pressure fluctuations, the team successfully ensured the entire injection test progressed smoothly and systematically.
The trial was conducted using an intelligent sensing and monitoring platform for underground caverns, independently developed by China Energy Engineering Group. This advanced system provided comprehensive real-time sensing and dynamic analysis for critical factors such as cavern pressure, gas temperature, lining strain, surrounding rock displacement, and leakage conditions. The conclusive test results have overwhelmingly demonstrated the reliability and safety of China Energy Engineering Group's systematic solution for artificial cavern gas storage, paving the way for future deployments of this cutting-edge energy storage technology.