Compressed air energy storage as backup generation capacity combined with wind energy sector in Poland - implementation possibilities

Abstract

Wind energy sector has been developing at a fast pace in many countries around the world in recent years. However, there is an issue with the unpredictability of electricity production provided by wind turbines that is caused by variability of weather. Therefore, there is need to compensate the intermittency of wind energy by means of backup power generation facilities. One of the solutions is compressed air energy storage technology (CAES). The paper discusses the CAES technology characteristics as well as economic aspects of CAES plant construction and operation. The latest achievements and developments in the field of CAES technology is presented. The paper inspects the existing CAES facilities and discusses the possibilities of implementing this technology in Poland.