Compressed air energy storage (CAES) has emerged as a grid-scale energy storage linchpin, providing diurnal-to-seasonal timescale energy buffering for renewable power integration. Diverging from conventional salt cavern-dependent approaches, artificial cavern-based CAES unlocks geographical adaptability through engineered underground containment. This study systematically reviews critical technologies in chamber construction, including site selection, structural design, excavation methods, and post-construction evaluation. Site selection employs a multi-criteria matrix that combines geological and environmental factors. Structural design integrates spatial layout, burial depth, sealing system, and component compatibility to ensure chamber stability. Excavation prioritizes controlled blasting for homogeneous rock, while a tunnel boring machine is deployed in fractured zones to preserve integrity. Post-construction assessments validate load-bearing capacity, sealing performance, and operational readiness, supported by data-driven maintenance strategies. Ongoing challenges include site-specific geological risks, sealing system durability under cyclic loading, equipment integration, field-scale validation, standardization gaps, and cost-efficiency optimization. These innovations will establish best practices for building large-scale, high-efficiency CAES plants with ultra-long duration and grid resilience, accelerating the transition to carbon-neutral power systems.
| [1] |
Becattini V, Geissbühler L, Zanganeh G, Haselbacher A, Steinfeld A. Pilot-scale demonstration of advanced adiabatic compressed air energy storage, part 2: tests with combined sensible/latent thermal-energy storage. J Energy Storage. 2018; 17: 140-152.
|
| [2] |
Bu X, Huang S, Liu S, et al. Efficient utilization of abandoned mines for isobaric compressed air energy storage. Energy. 2024; 311:133392.
|
| [3] |
Budt M, Wolf D, Span R, Yan J. A review on compressed air energy storage: basic principles, past milestones and recent developments. Appl Energy. 2016; 170: 250-268.
|
| [4] |
Cao R, Li W, Ni H, Kuang C, Liang Y, Fu Z. Comprehensive assessment and optimization of a hybrid cogeneration system based on compressed air energy storage with high-temperature thermal energy storage. Front Energy. 2025; 19(2): 175-192.
|
| [5] |
Chen X, Wang JG. Stability analysis for compressed air energy storage cavern with initial excavation damage zone in an abandoned mining tunnel. J Energy Storage. 2022; 45:103725.
|
| [6] |
Fan J, Liu W, Jiang D, et al. Thermodynamic and applicability analysis of a hybrid CAES system using abandoned coal mine in China. Energy. 2018; 157: 31-44.
|
| [7] |
Feng S, Chen Z, Luo H, et al. Tunnel boring machines (TBM) performance prediction: A case study using big data and deep learning. Tunnel Undergr Space Technol. 2021; 110:103636.
|
| [8] |
Gao J, Men H, Guo F, Liu H, Li X, Huang X. A multi-criteria decision-making framework for compressed air energy storage power site selection based on the probabilistic language term sets and regret theory. J Energy Storage. 2021; 37(3):102473.
|
| [9] |
Gao Z, Zhang J, Zhuang W, et al. Thoughts on some characteristics of new style power system. Electr Power Autom Equip. 2023; 43(6): 137-143.
|
| [10] |
Gasanzade F, Witte F, Tuschy I, Bauer S. Integration of geological compressed air energy storage into future energy supply systems dominated by renewable power sources Energy Convers Manag. 2023; 277:116643.
|
| [11] |
Geissbühler L, Becattini V, Zanganeh G, et al. Pilot-scale demonstration of advanced adiabatic compressed air energy storage, part 1: plant description and tests with sensible thermal-energy storage. J Energy Storage. 2018; 17: 129-139.
|
| [12] |
Glamheden R, Curtis P. Excavation of a cavern for high-pressure storage of natural gas. Tunnel Undergr Space Technol. 2006; 21(1): 56-67.
|
| [13] |
Hammett RD, Hoek E. Design of large underground caverns for hydroelectric projects with particular reference to structurally controlled failure mechanisms. Paper presented at: ASCE Spring Convention, New York Session on Rock Mechanics of Large Hydro Projects; May 12, 1981.
|
| [14] |
Han Y, Cui H, Ma H, Chen J, Liu N. Temperature and pressure variations in salt compressed air energy storage (CAES) caverns considering the air flow in the underground wellbore. J Energy Storage. 2022; 52:104846.
|
| [15] |
Hu B, Yu L, Mi X, et al. Comparative analysis of thermodynamic and mechanical responses between underground hydrogen storage and compressed air energy storage in lined rock caverns. Int J Min Sci Technol. 2024; 34(4): 531-543.
|
| [16] |
Ji M, Wang X, Luo M, Wang D, Teng H, Du M. Stability analysis of tunnel surrounding rock when TBM passes through fracture zones with different deterioration levels and dip angles. Sustainability. 2023; 15(6):5243.
|
| [17] |
Ji W, Wan J, Li J, Chen S, Ma H, Yu H. Integration of large-scale underground energy storage technologies and renewable energy sources. Adv Geo-Energy Res. 2024; 14(2): 81-85.
|
| [18] |
Ji W, Wang S, Wan J, Cheng S, He J, Shi S. Stability analysis of surrounding rock of multi-cavern for compressed air energy storage. Adv Geo-Energy Res. 2024; 13(3): 169-175.
|
| [19] |
Jiang W, Huang L, Zhang S, Ma H. Advances in research on geological evaluation of compressed air energy storage in underground gas storage facilities. Coal Geol Explor. 2025; 53(8): 62-75.
|
| [20] |
Jiang Z, Li P, Zhao H, Feng S, Tang D Experimental study on performance of shallow rock cavern for compressed air energy storage. Rock Soil Mech. 2020; 41(1): 235-241.
|
| [21] |
Jiang Z, Liu Y, Lu X, et al. Review on key scientific and design issues of lined rock caverns for compressed air energy storage. Rock Soil Mech. 2024; 45(12): 3491-3509.
|
| [22] |
Johansson J. Cavern Wall Design Principles. Licentiate thesis. Royal Institute of Technology; 2003.
|
| [23] |
Kim HM, Rutqvist J, Ryu DW, Choi BH, Sunwoo C, Song WK. Exploring the concept of compressed air energy storage (CAES) in lined rock caverns at shallow depth: a modeling study of air tightness and energy balance. Appl Energy. 2012; 92: 653-667.
|
| [24] |
Lund H, Salgi G. The role of compressed air energy storage (CAES) in future sustainable energy systems. Energy Convers Manage. 2009; 50(5): 1172-1179.
|
| [25] |
Ma C, Xie W, Liu Z, Li Q, Xu J, Tan G. A new technology for smooth blasting without detonating cord for rock tunnel excavation. Appl Sci. 2020; 10(19):6764.
|
| [26] |
Onifade M, Said KO, Shivute AP. Safe mining operations through technological advancement. Process Saf Environ Prot. 2023; 175: 251-258.
|
| [27] |
Rabi A, Radulovic J, Buick J. Comprehensive review of compressed air energy storage (CAES) technologies. Thermo. 2023; 3(1): 104-126.
|
| [28] |
Rutqvist J, Kim HM, Ryu DW, Synn JH, Song WK. Modeling of coupled thermodynamic and geomechanical performance of underground compressed air energy storage in lined rock caverns. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci. 2012; 52: 71-81.
|
| [29] |
Safaei H, Keith DW, Hugo RJ. Compressed air energy storage (CAES) with compressors distributed at heat loads to enable waste heat utilization. Appl Energy. 2013; 103: 165-179.
|
| [30] |
Sigl O. Special construction methods for tunnels with very shallow overburden–Challenge for innovation. Geomech Tunn. 2020; 13(6): 634-640.
|
| [31] |
Song J, Peng X, Fang X, et al. Thermodynamic analysis and algorithm optimisation of a multi-stage compression adiabatic compressed air energy storage system. Thermal Sci Eng Prog. 2020; 19:100598.
|
| [32] |
Sun G, Zhu K, Ji W, Yi Q, Geng X, Yu X. Basic concepts, design principles, and methods of compressed air energy storage underground caverns. Hazard Control Tunnel Undergr Eng. 2024; 6(1): 14-23.
|
| [33] |
Wan F, Jiang Z, Liao J, Li H. Influences of groundwater on air tightness and surrounding rock stability of CAES underground gas reservoir. Chin J Geotech Eng. 2024; 46(9): 1899-1908.
|
| [34] |
Wan J, Ji W, Li J, et al. Design optimization of injection and production wellbore system in salt-cavern compressed air energy storage. Nat Gas Ind. 2024; 44(6): 169-180.
|
| [35] |
Wan J, Meng T, Li J, Liu W. Energy storage salt cavern construction and evaluation technology. Adv Geo-Energy Res. 2023; 9(3): 141-145.
|
| [36] |
Wan J, Sun Y, He Y, et al. Development and technology status of energy storage in depleted gas reservoirs. Int J Coal Sci Technol. 2024; 11: 29.
|
| [37] |
Wan J, Zhao Y, Zhou Y, Li J, Dong S, Sun P. Numerical simulation of ultrasonic wave propagation characteristics in water-based drilling fluid. Adv Geo-Energy Res. 2024; 13(1): 69-80.
|
| [38] |
Wan M, Ji W, Wan J, et al. Compressed air energy storage in salt caverns in China: development and outlook. Adv Geo-Energy Res. 2023; 9(1): 54-67.
|
| [39] |
Wan M, Yang Y, Yuan Z, Hou Y, Xing T, Tao G. Key technologies of large-scale compressed air energy storage. South Energy Constr. 2023; 10(6): 26-33.
|
| [40] |
Wang L, Zhang W, Yang X, et al. Research and application progress of abandoned mine compressed air energy storage. Coal Sci Technol. 2025; 53(7): 275-292.
|
| [41] |
Xia C, Zhang P, Zhou S, Zhou Y, Wang R. Stability and tangential strain analysis of large-scale compressed air energy storage cavern. Rock Soil Mech. 2014; 35(5): 1391-1398.
|
| [42] |
Xu S, Yang J, Yu Z, Yang X, Tao J, Li H. Applicability study on TBM and drilling-blasting method for construction of parallel long and large diversion tunnels. Constr Technol. 2022; 51(5): 126-129.
|
| [43] |
Yang C, Wang T. Advance in deep underground energy storage. Chin J Rock Mech Eng. 2022; 41(9): 1729-1759.
|
| [44] |
Yang C, Wang T, Chen H. Theoretical and technological challenges of deep underground energy storage in China. Engineering. 2023; 25: 168-181.
|
| [45] |
Yokoyama H, Shinohara S, Kato Y. Demonstrative operation of pilot plant for compressed air energy storage power generation. JEPOC J. 2002; 300: 151-154.
|
| [46] |
Zavattoni S, Roncolato J, Geissbühler L, et al. The Swiss AA-CAES pilot plant: CFD modeling and validation of the TES system. In: 35th International CAE Conference and Exhibition; October 28-29, 2019; Vicenza, Italy.
|
| [47] |
Zhang G, Wang X, Xiang Y, et al. Compressed air energy storage in hard rock caverns: airtight performance, thermomechanical behavior and stability. Chin J Rock Mech Eng. 2024; 43(11): 2601-2626.
|
| [48] |
Zhang G, Xiang Y, Wang X, Xiong F, Tang Z, Hua D. Analytical solution for load sharing in the structure of an underground lined rock cavern for compressed air energy storage and analysis of influencing factors. Chin J Rock Mech Eng. 2024; 43(Supp 2): 3633-3650.
|
| [49] |
Zhang X, Li Y, Gao Z, Chen S, Xu Y, Chen H. Overview of dynamic operation strategies for advanced compressed air energy storage. J Energy Storage. 2023; 66:107408.
|
| [50] |
Zhao T, Liu S, Ma H, Mei D, Wei Z, Mei C. Research status and development trend of compressed air energy storage in abandoned coal mines. Coal Sci Technol. 2023; 51(10): 163-176.
|
| [51] |
Zhao Q, Zhu L, Liu Y, Hao J, Wu M. The basic design concept and method of a shallow rock cavern of a compressed air energy-storage power station. Energy Storage Sci Technol. 2024; 13(8): 2775-2784.
|
| [52] |
Zhou X, Sun G, Wang Y, Liu W, Huang K. Study on factors affecting site selection for artificial cavern CAES energy Storage. Electr Power Surv Des. 2024;(9): 46-51.
|
| [53] |
Zhou X, Zhai S. Estimation of the cutterhead torque for earth pressure balance TBM under mixed-face conditions. Tunnel Undergr Space Technol. 2018; 74: 217-229.
|
| [54] |
Zhu R, Ding H, Jiang X, Peng Z, Hu X, Zhu J. Influence of structure type of underground gas storage cavern on stability of surrounding rocks. Oil Gas Storage Transp. 2022; 41(9): 1052-1060.
|
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
2025 The Author(s). Deep Underground Science and Engineering published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of China University of Mining and Technology.
PDF
