Chinese energy companies repurpose abandoned salt mines to generate electricity

Chinese energy companies are repurposing abandoned salt mines into compressed air storage to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. This eco-friendly approach is gaining momentum as a cost-effective solution for storing energy while minimising damage to the local ecosystem.

The method involves storing compressed air in underground cavities created during salt extraction, utilising their airtightness and stable storage conditions. This is reported by CCTV+, a partner of TV BRICS.

Compared to traditional vessels such as steel tanks, these underground salt mines have a longer lifespan, lower cost and require less land, reducing costs for energy companies.

Stored air can be used during times of power shortages by mixing it with oil or natural gas and burning it in turbines to generate electricity.

Given that about 2,000 qualified underground cavities created by salt mining can be used to store air, China has the potential to generate about 10 million kilowatts of electricity, enough to power a major city.