A feasibility study for a new compressed air energy storage generator for the irish single electricity market

This paper describes a current study to assess the feasibility of developing CAES storage caverns in salt beds in the north east of Ireland. Thin-bedded salt is regarded as inferior to domal or thick-layered (diapir) salt for cavern storage. However, given the relative scarcity of diapirs and increasing demand for underground gas storage (UGS) capacity, there has been a recent increase in the development of storage caverns in caverns in thin-layered formations. While UGS and CAES storage experience different operating conditions, if it can be shown that CAES storage can also be successfully developed in thin layered salt, it could increase the widespread development potential for CAES. The paper describes the geology of a potential development site and examines cavern design scenarios. An assessment is made of market conditions for CAES in Ireland. Potential barriers to the deployment of CAES in existing markets are discussed.