The Impact of Compressed Air Storage Technology on the Environment During a Lifecycle

Yuankun Li

2024

Abstract

Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) technology offers an effective method for energy storage during periods of low demand by utilizing underground mines to store compressed air, which is then released when energy is needed. As new energy technologies rapidly advance and the integration of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power into the power grid increases, the adoption of CAES has become more widespread. This technology stands out due to its minimal physical space requirements, extensive load capacity range, cost-effectiveness, and low operational and maintenance costs. However, for strategic planning, it is critical to perform a comprehensive lifetime evaluation of environmental contaminants associated with CAES. But the construction and maintenance activities of CAES systems can lead to significant environmental degradation, including solid waste, exhaust gas, wastewater pollution, and land destruction. Furthermore, the process of demolishing structures generates waste and pollutants, with dust and noise pollution present in multiple phases. These environmental impacts present substantial challenges to the sustainable deployment of CAES technology. This paper explores the dual nature of CAES, highlighting both its advantages and its environmental concerns. We conduct a thorough analysis of the lifecycle environmental impacts of CAES systems, focusing on pollution and resource depletion during construction, operation, maintenance, and demolition. Moreover, we propose some potential solutions to mitigate these environmental impacts, emphasizing the need for sustainable construction practices, advanced pollution control technologies, and efficient resource management. By addressing these issues, CAES can be optimized to support the growing demand for renewable energy storage while minimizing its ecological footprint.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Li Y. (2024). The Impact of Compressed Air Storage Technology on the Environment During a Lifecycle. In Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Renewable Energy and Ecosystem - Volume 1: ICREE; ISBN 978-989-758-776-4, SciTePress, pages 197-203. DOI: 10.5220/0013875200004914

in Bibtex Style

@conference{icree24,
author={Yuankun Li},
title={The Impact of Compressed Air Storage Technology on the Environment During a Lifecycle},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Renewable Energy and Ecosystem - Volume 1: ICREE},
year={2024},
pages={197-203},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013875200004914},
isbn={978-989-758-776-4},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Renewable Energy and Ecosystem - Volume 1: ICREE
TI - The Impact of Compressed Air Storage Technology on the Environment During a Lifecycle
SN - 978-989-758-776-4
AU - Li Y.
PY - 2024
SP - 197
EP - 203
DO - 10.5220/0013875200004914
PB - SciTePress