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Title: Energy storage in geologic media

Conference · · Energy Technol. (Wash., D.C.); (United States)
OSTI ID:5346286

This paper synthesizes current design concepts for the storage of potential energy in geologic media utilizing compressed air energy storage (CAES) and underground pumped hydro (UPH). These concepts have been refined through cooperative studies over the last 6 to 7 years by international utilities and by American utilities under the sponsorship of the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). These studies indicate that energy storage in underground caverns and aquifers appears to be a technically and economically viable method of conserving off-peak power generated by existing fossil and nuclear power plants. The CAES and UPH plant sites require a relatively small area for surface facilities. Suitable geologic media for plant construction such as salt domes, igneous, high grade metamorphic and massive sedimentary rocks exist over much of the United States. Potential underground energy storage sites require careful exploration and analysis to determine whether engineering properties of the candidate rock masses are adequate for the technical, environmental and economic viability of the project.

OSTI ID:
5346286
Report Number(s):
CONF-820217-
Journal Information:
Energy Technol. (Wash., D.C.); (United States), Vol. 9; Conference: 9. energy technology conference, Washington, DC, USA, 16 Feb 1982
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English