A 60 MW liquid air energy storage (LAES) demonstration project developed by China Green Development Investment Group connected to the grid and began generating electricity in Golmud, Qinghai Province, on October 30, 2026.
Described as the world’s largest LAES project, the installation marks a milestone in scaling up the technology and developing a domestic supply chain for long-duration energy storage in China.
The project is part of the National Energy Administration’s new energy storage pilot demonstration program and has been designated a first-of-its-kind major technical equipment project in the energy sector.
World’s Largest Liquid Air Energy Storage Project Connects to Grid in China
Cryogenic Storage Using Air
The system uses a cryogenic liquefaction process operating at approximately −194°C, with air serving as the working medium. Energy is stored by liquefying air and holding it in insulated tanks at atmospheric pressure, then recovered through a power generation process.
Unlike storage technologies that require specific geological formations, LAES offers flexibility in site selection. Its potential for large-scale deployment, long storage durations and long equipment lifetimes makes it a promising option for integrating variable renewable generation.
The Golmud project is designed to store electricity during off-peak periods and deliver it during peak demand, helping address fluctuations in wind and solar output and improve local renewable energy utilization.
Domestic Equipment and Integrated Controls
According to the project announcement, the installation incorporates independently developed intellectual property and uses entirely domestically manufactured equipment. Its power rating and energy storage capacity are reported to be the largest in the global LAES sector.
Development involved collaboration across the supply chain to deliver key equipment, including large centrifugal compressors and liquid expanders. An air purification system removes moisture, carbon dioxide and other impurities to support reliable operation of the cryogenic process.
The plant also integrates compressor and expander controls, process controls, safety instrumentation and gas detection systems. These systems coordinate the compression, liquefaction, storage and power generation stages, while managing interactions between cooling, heating, electricity and air flows.
Advancing Long-Duration Energy Storage
Grid connection represents an important step in moving LAES from smaller demonstration systems toward utility-scale deployment.
The project is expected to provide practical experience for future installations, support the development of China’s long-duration energy storage supply chain, and help integrate higher shares of renewable electricity into the power system.
Source: Project information published by the Golmud Municipal Government.