Compressed air energy storage in salt caverns in China: Development and outlook

Abstract

With the promotion of China’s carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals, the energy industry is transforming from traditional fossil energy to renewable energy, which is sustainable, clean and safe. The development of renewable energy is not only an important measure to achieve the above goals but also a significant factor to alleviate the global energy crisis. Salt caverns, with good air tightness, have been considered as the best choice for large-scale underground energy storage. To elaborate on the research and future development of salt cavern compressed air energy storage technology in China, this paper analyzes the mode and characteristics of compressed air energy storage, explores the current development, key technologies and engineering experience of the construction of underground salt caverns for compressed air energy storage at home and abroad. Focusing on salt cavern compressed air energy storage technology, this paper provides a deep analysis of large-diameter drilling and completion, solution mining and morphology control, and evaluates the factors affecting cavern tightness and wellbore integrity. The future development and challenges of underground salt caverns for compressed air energy storage in China are discussed, and the prospects for the three key technologies of large-diameter drilling and completion and wellbore integrity, solution mining morphology control and detection, and tubing corrosion and control are considered. This paper aims to provide a useful reference for the development of underground salt cavern compressed air energy storage technology, the transformation of green and renewable energy, and the realization of carbon neutral vision.

Document Type: Invited review

Cited as: Wan, M., Ji, W., Wan, J., He, Y., Li, J., Liu, W., Jurado, M. J. Compressed air energy storage in salt caverns in China: Development and outlook. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2023, 9(1): 54-67. https://doi.org/10.46690/ager.2023.07.06

References

Aftab, A., Hassanpouryouzband, A., Xie, Q., et al. Toward a fundamental understanding of geological hydrogen storage. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 2022, 61(9): 3233-3253.

Alirahmi, S. M., Mousavi, S. B., Razmi, A. R., et al. A comprehensive techno-economic analysis and multi-criteria optimization of a compressed air energy storage (CAES) hybridized with solar and desalination units. Energy Conversion and Management, 2021a, 236: 114053.

Alirahmi, S. M., Razmi, A. R., Arabkoohsar, A. Comprehensive assessment and multi-objective optimization of a green concept based on a combination of hydrogen and compressed air energy storage (CAES) systems. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2021b, 142: 110850.

American Petroleum Institute (API). Recommended practice for the design of solution-mined underground storage facilities. API Recommended Practice 114, Second Edition, 2013.

Bauer, T., Odenthal, C., Bonk, A. Molten salt storage for power generation. Chemie Ingenieur Technik, 2021, 93(4): 534-546.

Bazdar, E., Sameti, M., Nasiri, F., et al. Compressed air energy storage in integrated energy systems: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2022, 167: 112701.

Budt, M., Wolf, D., Span, R., et al. A review on compressed air energy storage: Basic principles, past milestones and recent developments. Applied Energy, 2016, 170: 250- 268.

Caglayan, D. G., Weber, N., Heinrichs, H. U., et al. Technical potential of salt caverns for hydrogen storage in europe. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2020, 45(11): 6793-6805.

Cai, W., Mohammaditab, R., Fathi, G., et al. Optimal bidding and offering strategies of compressed air energy storage: A hybrid robust-stochastic approach. Renewable Energy, 2019, 143: 1-8.

Cao, Y., Oiu, G., Zou, Z. Analysis on salt mine resources and its industrial situation in China. Inorganic Chemicals Industry, 2018, 50(3): 1-5. (in Chinese)

Cen, X., Zeng, H., Wang, H., et al. Research on tubing and casing anti-bending technology for salt cavern gas storage cavity construction. Paper SPE 203351 Presented at Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 9-12 November, 2020.

Chen, J., Jiang, D., Liu, W., et al. Research progress of solution mining and comprehensive utilization of salt cavern. Bulletin of National Natural Science Foundation of China, 2021, 35(6): 911-916. (in Chinese)

Chen, X., Li, Y., Liu, W., et al. Study on sealing failure of wellbore in bedded salt cavern gas storage. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 2019, 52: 215-228.

Chen, D., Wang, L., Versaillot, P. D., et al. Triaxial creep damage characteristics of sandstone under high crustal stress and its constitutive model for engineering application. Deep Underground Science and Engineering, 2023: 1-12.

Cornet, J. S., Dabrowski, M., Schmid, D. W. Long term creep closure of salt cavities. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 2018, 103: 96-106.

Das, A., Roy, N., Ray, A. K. Stress induced creep cavity. Materials Science and Engineering: A, 2014, 598: 28-33.

Diaz-Acosta, A., Bouchaala, F., Kishida, T., et al. Investigation of fractured carbonate reservoirs by applying shear-wave splitting concept. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2023, 7(2): 99-110.

Donadei, S., Schneider, G. -S. Chapter 6-Compressed air energy storage in underground formations, in Storing Energy, edited by T. M. Letcher, Elsevier, Oxford, pp. 113-133, 2016.

Ebigbo, A., Golfier, F., Quintard, M. A coupled, pore-scale model for methanogenic microbial activity in underground hydrogen storage. Advances in Water Resources, 2013, 61: 74-85.

Elberry, A. M., Thakur, J., Santasalo-Aarnio, A., et al. Largescale compressed hydrogen storage as part of renewable electricity storage systems. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2021, 46(29): 15671-15690.

Gong, F., Li, D., Tian, S., et al. Review and prospect of core technologies of integrated energy system. Renewable Energy Resources, 2019, 37(8): 1229-1235. (in Chinese)

Hematpur, H., Abdollahi, R., Rostami, S., et al. Review of underground hydrogen storage: Concepts and challenges. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2023, 7(2): 111-131.

Jafarizadeh, H., Soltani, M., Nathwani, J. Assessment of the Huntorf compressed air energy storage plant performance under enhanced modifications. Energy Conversion and Management, 2020, 209: 112662.

Jiang, Z., Tang, D., Li, P., et al. Research on selection method for the types and sites of underground repository for compressed air storage. Southern Energy Construction, 2019, 6(3): 6-16. (in Chinese)

King, M., Jain, A., Bhakar, R., et al. Overview of current compressed air energy storage projects and analysis of the potential underground storage capacity in India and the UK. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2021, 139: 110705.

Koohi-Fayegh, S., Rosen, M. A. A review of energy storage types, applications and recent developments. Journal of Energy Storage, 2020, 27: 101047.

Kruk-Gotzman, S., Ziółkowski, P., Iliev, I., et al. Technoeconomic evaluation of combined cycle gas turbine and a diabatic compressed air energy storage integration concept. Energy, 2023, 266: 126345.

Langer, M. Use of solution-mined caverns in salt for oil and gas storage and toxic waste disposal in Germany. Engineering Geology, 1993, 35(3-4): 183-190.

Lankof, L., Urba´nczyk, K., Tarkowski, R. Assessment of the potential for underground hydrogen storage in salt domes. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2022, 160: 112309.

Leiby, P. N., Bowman, D., UT-Battelle, L. The value of expanding the us strategic petroleum reserve. ORNL/TM-2000/179, 2000.

Li, J., Chen, J., Liu, J., et al. Re-leaching solution mining technology under natural gas for salt-cavern gas storage. Oil & Gas Storage and Transportation, 2017, 36(7): 816- 824. (in Chinese)

Li, J., Wan, J., Liu, H., et al. Stability analysis of a typical salt cavern gas storage in the Jintan area of China. Energies, 2022, 15(11): 4167.

Li, N., Zhao, Y., Wang, T., et al. Trends observation: Strategy and development of international salt cavern energy storage research. Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 2021, 36(10): 1248-1252. (in Chinese)

Liu, Y., Li, Y., Ma, H., et al. Detection and evaluation technologies for using existing salt caverns to build energy storage. Energies, 2022, 15(23): 9144.

Lund, H., Salgi, G. The role of compressed air energy storage (CAES) in future sustainable energy systems. Energy Conversion and Management, 2009, 50(5): 1172-1179.

Luo, X., Wang, J., Dooner, M., et al. Overview of current development in compressed air energy storage technology. Energy Procedia, 2014, 62: 603-611.

Ma, X. Reconstruction technology for existing old caverns, in Handbook of Underground Gas Storages and Technology in China, edited by X. Ma, Springer, Singapore, pp. 1-14, 2022.

Ma, T., Liu, J., Fu, J., et al. Drilling and completion technologies of coalbed methane exploitation: An overview. International Journal of Coal Science & Technology, 2022, 9: 68.

Mahdi, D. S., Al-Khdheeawi, E. A., Yuan, Y., et al. Hydrogen underground storage efficiency in a heterogeneous sandstone reservoir. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2021, 5(4): 437-443.

Manca, P. P., Desogus, P., Orru, G. The reuse of abandoned Acquaresi mine voids for storage of the Masua flotation tailings. International Journal of Coal Science & Technology, 2014, 1: 213-220.

Matos, C. R., Carneiro, J. F., Silva, P. P. Overview of largescale underground energy storage technologies for integration of renewable energies and criteria for reservoir identification. Journal of Energy Storage, 2019, 21: 241-258.

Mirzaei, M. A., Zare Oskouei, M., Mohammadi-Ivatloo, B., et al. Integrated energy hub system based on power-togas and compressed air energy storage technologies in the presence of multiple shiftable loads. IET Generation, Transmission & Distribution, 2020, 14(13): 2510-2519.

Mousavi, S. B., Adib, M., Soltani, M., et al. Transient thermodynamic modeling and economic analysis of an adiabatic compressed air energy storage (A-CAES) based on cascade packed bed thermal energy storage with encapsulated phase change materials. Energy Conversion and Management, 2021, 243: 114379.

Nakhamkin, M., Andersson, L., Swensen, E., et al. AEC 110 MW CAES plant: Status of project. Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power, 1992, 114: 695-700.

Namjesnik, D., Kinscher, J., Contrucci, I., et al. Impact of past mining on public safety: Seismicity in area of flooded abandoned coal Gardanne mine, France. International Journal of Coal Science & Technology, 2022, 9(1): 90.

Olabi, A., Wilberforce, T., Ramadan, M., et al. Compressed air energy storage systems: Components and operating parameters-a review. Journal of Energy Storage, 2021, 34: 102000.

Piri, A., Aghanajafi, C., Sohani, A. Enhancing efficiency of a renewable energy assisted system with adiabatic compressed-air energy storage by application of multiple Kalina recovery cycles. Journal of Energy Storage, 2023, 61: 106712.

Posdziech, O., Schwarze, K., Brabandt, J. Efficient hydrogen production for industry and electricity storage via high-temperature electrolysis. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2019, 44(35): 19089-19101.

Razmi, A. R., Soltani, M., Ardehali, A., et al. Design, thermodynamic, and wind assessments of a compressed air energy storage (CAES) integrated with two adjacent wind farms: A case study at Abhar and Kahak sites, Iran. Energy, 2021, 221: 119902.

Reda, D. C., Russo, A. J. Experimental studies of saltcavity leaching by freshwater injection. SPE Production Engineering, 1986, 1(1): 82-86.

Ren, P., Qi, L., Wang, W., et al. Current status and development trend of utilization of underground salt cavern space. Oil-Gas Field Surface Engineering, 2023, 42(5): 1-8. (in Chinese)

Samanta, B., Samaddar, A. B. Underground mining slurry transportation viability. International Journal of Coal Science & Technology, 2019, 6(3): 430-437.

Schultz, R. A., Williams-Stroud, S., Horváth, B., et al. Underground energy-related product storage and sequestration: Site characterization, risk analysis and monitoring. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 2023, 528(1): SP528-2022-66.

Sedaee, B., Mohammadi, M., Esfahanizadeh, L., et al. Comprehensive modeling and developing a software for salt cavern underground gas storage. Journal of Energy Storage, 2019, 25: 100876.

Succar, S., Williams, R. H. Compressed air energy storage: Theory, resources, and applications for wind power. Princeton Environmental Institute Report, 2008, 8: 81.

Tian, Z., Wang, T., Zhang, G. Key technologies research of natural gas storage construction in salt rock formation. Paper ISRM-ISRS-2010-076 Presented at ISRM International Symposium on In-Situ Rock Stress, Beijing, China, 25-27 August, 2010.

Tong, Z., Cheng, Z., Tong, S. A review on the development of compressed air energy storage in China: Technical and economic challenges to commercialization. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2021, 135: 110178.

Vandeginste, V., Ji, Y., Buysschaert, F., et al. Mineralogy, microstructures and geomechanics of rock salt for underground gas storage. Deep Underground Science and Engineering, 2023, 2(2): 129-147.

Wan, M., Ji, W., Shang, H., et al. Key problems and techniques of geophysical exploration in underground salt cavern for compressed air energy storage. Southern Energy Construction, 2023, 10(2): 26-31. (in Chinese)

Wan, J., Peng, T., Jurado, M. J., et al. The influence of the water injection method on two-well-horizontal salt cavern construction. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 2020, 184: 106560.

Wan, J., Peng, T., Shen, R., et al. Numerical model and program development of TWH salt cavern construction for UGS. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 2019, 179: 930-940.

Wang, J., Lu, K., Ma, L., et al. Overview of compressed air energy storage and technology development. Energies, 2017, 10(7): 991.

Wang, J., Xie, H., Leung, C., et al. A research on excavation compensation theory for large deformation disaster control and a review on the multiphysical-multiscale responses of salt rock for underground gas storage. Deep Underground Science and Engineering, 2023, 2(2): 103-104.

Wanyan, Q., Ding, G., Zhao, Y., et al. Key technologies for salt-cavern underground gas storage construction and evaluation and their application. Natural Gas Industry B, 2018, 5(6): 623-630.

Wanyan, Q., Xiao, Y., Tang, N. Numerical simulation and experimental study on dissolving characteristics of layered salt rocks. Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering, 2019, 27(5): 1030-1036.

Xuan, Z. Research on salt resources and salt chemical zones in China. Salt Lake Research, 1996, 4(3-4): 69-72.

Yang, C., Liu, J. Petroleum rock mechanics: An area worthy of focus in geo-energy research. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2021, 5(4): 351-352.

Yuan, X. -C., Lyu, Y. -J., Wang, B., et al. China’s energy transition strategy at the city level: The role of renewable energy. Journal of Cleaner Production, 2018, 205: 980-986.

Yuan, G., Wan, J., Li, J., et al. Stability analysis of a typical two-well-horizontal saddle-shaped salt cavern. Journal of Energy Storage, 2021, 40: 102763.

Zhang, B., Luo, F., Sun, B., et al. A method for wellbore integrity detection in deep oil and gas wells. Petroleum Drilling Techniques, 2021, 49(5): 114-120. (in Chinese)

Zhang, B., Xu, Z., Gao, W., et al. Summary and evaluation of integrity detection technology for production string in deep gas well. Natural Gas and Oil, 2020, 38(5): 49-57. (in Chinese)

Zhao, K., Liu, Y., Li, Y., et al. Feasibility analysis of salt cavern gas storage in extremely deep formation: A case study in China. Journal of Energy Storage, 2022, 47: 103649.

Zhen, Y., Wanyan, Q., Qiu, X., et al. New technologies for site selection and evaluation of salt-cavern underground gas storages. Natural Gas Industry, 2019, 39(6): 123-130. (in Chinese)

Zhou, Q., Du, D., Lu, C., et al. A review of thermal energy storage in compressed air energy storage system. Energy, 2019, 188: 115993.

Zhu, H., Wang, L., Zhang, M., et al. Cyclic injection-production simulation of salt cavern gas storages: A case study of X1 and X2 salt caverns of JT gas storage. Acta Petrolei Sinica, 2021, 42(3): 367-377. (in Chinese)

Zivar, D., Kumar, S., Foroozesh, J. Underground hydrogen storage: A comprehensive review. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2021, 46(45): 23436-23462.

Zou, C., Xiong, B., Xue, H., et al. The role of new energy in carbon neutral. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2021, 48(2): 480-491.