Augwind Energy is set to construct the world’s first commercial-scale AirBattery in Germany, utilizing its Hydraulic Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) technology. This innovative system aims to provide grid-scale energy storage for durations spanning weeks or even months. It specifically targets the seasonal energy dips in renewable output, such as the ‘Dunkelflaute’ that Germany often experiences.
The AirBattery functions by compressing excess energy into underground salt caverns, where it can be stored until needed. When electricity demand rises, the compressed air is released to generate power. Each cavern has the capacity to store between 3 and 8 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of energy. A pilot project in Israel has achieved a 47% round-trip efficiency in converting stored energy back to usable electricity; commercial systems are projected to exceed 60% efficiency.
Scheduled to begin operations between 2027 and 2028, the German facility will utilize a mined salt cavern as an economical and high-capacity storage solution. This project will serve to demonstrate the scalability and financial viability of long-duration energy storage as Europe aims to surpass a 50% penetration of renewable energy sources.
Or Yogev, founder and CEO of Augwind, emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “This is more than a project; it’s a milestone for achieving net zero. With the AirBattery, we’re introducing a storage solution that matches the scale and rhythm of renewable energy. Germany’s abundant salt caverns and industrial expertise create an ideal environment for our first commercial deployment. Our aim is to become Europe’s preferred partner for long-duration storage solutions. This German initiative will show that long-term energy storage for grid balancing is technically feasible and economically viable.”
This development aligns with Germany’s renewable energy goals, positioning the country as a leader in energy storage technology and sustainability efforts.
