On Nov. 27, 2025, the Huaneng Jintan Salt Cavern Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) Phase II project hit a major milestone when its massive turbine unit—often called the "heart" of a CAES plant—was hoisted into place in eastern Jiangsu Province on the Chinese mainland. This marks the start of main equipment installation for what is set to be the world’s largest CAES facility.
The turbine—think of it as a green-energy superhero—can respond to peak demands in minutes. It ramps from startup to full load in about 10 minutes, turning released air into electricity ⚡️. Made with 100% domestically produced parts, it's the most powerful of its kind in China, boasting the highest single-unit output and largest air intake.
Phase II will deploy two 350-megawatt non-combustion CAES units. Chen Hui, deputy director of the engineering, safety and quality department, says the plant is expected to complete around 330 charge-discharge cycles each year. A single charge can store 2.8 million kWh of electricity 🔋🚗—enough to power 100,000 new-energy vehicles.
Once fully operational, the facility will help save about 270,000 tonnes of standard coal and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 520,000 tonnes annually. This game-changing project is a big win for clean energy goals and efforts to fight climate change.
For students, entrepreneurs, and energy enthusiasts, this milestone shows how the Chinese mainland is charging ahead in energy storage innovation. Stay tuned as Phase II rolls out and this powerhouse turbine comes to life!
Reference(s):
Core of world's largest compressed air energy storage plant installed
cgtn.com
