Researchers at Pennsylvania State University have proposed using old oil and gas wells as compressed air energy storage (CAES), improving the efficiency of the process through natural geothermal heat.
Utilization of disused oil wells
The study, published in the Journal of Energy Storage , highlights that there are approximately 3.9 million depleted oil and gas wells in the U.S. that could be repurposed for energy storage . This approach would not only increase CAES efficiency by 9.5%, but also reduce upfront costs by avoiding the need to drill new wells.
The CAES system stores compressed air underground when electrical demand is low and releases it to generate electricity during times of high demand. The integration of geothermal heat improves storage capacity by increasing air temperature and pressure.
This model could mitigate the environmental impact of abandoned wells by preventing methane leaks and leveraging existing infrastructure. It would also generate employment in communities with a long history in the energy industry, facilitating the transition to renewable energy.
Future perspectives
The researchers emphasize that this solution could be key to stabilizing the power grid in a renewable energy- based system. The research is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy , indicating a growing interest in innovative energy storage strategies.
This technology could represent a decisive step toward a more efficient and sustainable energy model, optimizing existing resources for a fossil-fuel-free future.
Follow us on social media and don’t miss any of our posts!
YouTube LinkedIn Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok
Source: Pennsylvania State University
Photo: Shutterstock
