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I CAES: Compressed Air Energy Storage 

I Unlocking Offshore Potential for Long-Duration Energy Storage

​As the UK transitions to a net-zero energy system, the need for long-duration energy storage (LDES) has become increasingly urgent.  Crondall Energy is at the forefront of this challenge, pioneering the development of compressed air energy storage (CAES) systems that integrate with offshore infrastructure.

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CAES offers a scalable, efficient, and low-carbon solution to address the intermittency and curtailment of renewable energy generation.  By compressing air using surplus electricity and storing it in offshore reservoirs, CAES systems can release energy on demand—powering turbines to generate electricity when renewable sources fall short.

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I Why Offshore CAES?

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  • Offshore Resources:  The UKCS offers extensive suitable subsurface geology, both close to offshore wind generation and close to onshore demand centres.

  • Curtailment Reduction: LDES including CAES mitigates curtailment of offshore wind generation, especially in regions like northeast Scotland where transmission capacity is limited.

  • Grid Stability: CAES provides high generating inertia, helping stabilise the grid as fossil fuel-based dispatchable power is phased out.

  • Skill Reuse: The technology leverages existing offshore engineering expertise, offering a natural transition path for the UK’s oil and gas workforce.

  • Efficiency & Scalability: Carefully designed CAES systems deliver strong round-trip efficiencies, are uniquely well suited to offshore deployment, and can be scaled to meet future grid demands.

I Project Highlights

Crondall Energy, in partnership with Durham University, was awarded funding under the UK Government’s £6.7 million Longer Duration Energy Storage competition to assess the feasibility of offshore CAES on the UK Continental Shelf. The project explored:

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  • Technical and economic viability of offshore CAES

  • Integration with existing offshore assets

  • Cost modelling for compression, storage, and energy recovery

  • Pathways to prototype development

I Looking Ahead

Crondall Energy continues to develop CAES as part of its broader energy transition strategy, alongside initiatives in carbon capture, hydrogen integration, and offshore electrification.  By combining technical innovation with strategic foresight, we aim to deliver solutions that support a resilient, low-carbon energy future.

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