Dive Summary:
- The California Energy Commission (CEC) granted $1 million to Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) for the design and construction of a compressed air energy storage (CAES) plant, which is projected to cost a total of $50 million, with further funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and other sources expected.
- The plant, which will be the first of its kind on the West Coast, will use surplus wind energy to compress air into used up natural gas repositories and, during peak demand situations, utilize the compressed air to produce electricity.
- The initial role of the project, for which the CEC approved its funding, will be to estimate expenses, advantages and find an ideal location for the CAES plant.
From the article:
"The California Energy Commission (CEC) has approved a $1 million research grant to Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (PG&E) to demonstrate a compressed air energy storage (CAES) plant.
'In order to meet California's renewable energy goals, it is critical that we invest in energy storage research,' says Energy Commission Chair Dr. Robert B. Weisenmiller. 'This project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve grid reliability and lower electric power system costs.' ..."