Identifying Optimal Locations and Evaluating Storage Potential for Underwater Compressed

Air Energy Storage in the Gulf of Maine

Gabriel E. Colón Reyes, REU Undergraduate StudentUniversidad de Puerto Rico, MayagüezUniversity of Massachusetts, Amherst

Wednesday, June 24th, 2015

Introduction• What is Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES)?

Introduction cont.• What is Underwater Compressed Air Energy Storage (UW – CAES)?

Why Study UW – CAES?

• Intermittency of renewable energy sources• Storing renewable energy efficiently• Geographic limitations of CAES• One of the most efficient storage methods:

More depth, more storage potential per cubic meter

• Potential to complement offshore wind

Why Study Locating UW – CAES?

• Not just a matter of saying “there”• Stakeholders impacted by location (e.g.

fishermen, commercial sea-traffic lanes, marine life, etc.)

Methodology

• Research – Parameters of locations (e.g. soil structure, electrical connections, storage potential, etc.)

• Implementation – ArcGIS• Spatial Analysis• Results

Expectations

• Find the most feasible location for UW – CAES• Evaluate storage potential with parameters

Acknowledgements/References

• Carson Pete, Ph.D. Student, Mentor• Dr. Jon McGowan, Professor Advisor • Hydrostor• http://energystorage.org/compressed-air-

energy-storage-caes• http://revolution-green.com/hydrostor-

underwater-compressed-air-electrical-storage/

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!

Questions???????