Storage solutions are becoming increasingly important as the world’s energy infrastructure moves towards renewable power sources. Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) is an innovative technology in this area that uses electricity to liquefy air. The liquid is stored in cryogenic tanks and converted back to electrical energy on demand in an expansion turbine. These tanks can hold between 50 and 600 megawatt hours of energy for anywhere between 4 and 20 hours.
Energy storage anywhere
LAES offers a number of benefits over conventional, large-scale alternatives such as pumped and compressed air solutions. For example, LAES systems do not have special requirements; they can be built quickly, almost anywhere; they do not pose any geological risks, and they are unlikely to encounter public opposition. In collaboration with a technology partner, Linde has developed an LAES system. This solution builds on existing technology components and is ready for demonstration. The company is also already working on its next, improved generation of LAES solutions.
Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) at an air separation plant in Leuna, Germany.