Advancements in Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) Technology for Sustainable Development

Introduction: Addressing SDG 7 and SDG 13

A report on the development of key technologies for a Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) system by the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM). This innovation directly supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), by providing a solution to stabilize power grids and mitigate the intermittency of renewable energy sources.

• LAES technology enables large-scale, long-duration energy storage, which is critical for increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
• By storing surplus renewable electricity, LAES helps ensure a reliable and clean energy supply, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and contributing to climate change mitigation.

Technological Innovation and Contribution to SDG 9

KIMM has achieved a significant milestone in advancing SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through the independent design and demonstration of core LAES components. This research builds resilient and sustainable infrastructure for future energy systems.

Key Technological Achievements:

1. Independent Component Development: Successful in-house design and manufacturing of a high-performance turbo expander and a specialized cold box.
2. System Demonstration: Korea’s first successful air liquefaction test for energy storage purposes, with a system capable of producing up to 10 tons of liquid air per day.
3. Advanced Machinery Design:
   • A high-speed turbo expander utilizing static gas bearings for stable rotation exceeding 100,000 RPM.
   • A hollow shaft with integrated thermal insulation to prevent heat ingress.
   • A cold box employing multi-layer insulation and an ultra-high vacuum to minimize heat transfer and maximize efficiency.

LAES System: A Versatile Solution for SDG 11

The LAES system offers distinct advantages that align with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by providing a flexible and environmentally conscious energy storage solution that is not constrained by geography.

Operational Advantages:

• Site Flexibility: Unlike pumped hydro or compressed air energy storage, LAES does not require specific geographical features, making it suitable for deployment in various industrial and urban environments.
• Environmental Compatibility: The system presents fewer environmental constraints compared to traditional large-scale storage methods.
• Enhanced Efficiency: The technology recycles cold energy generated during power production to improve the efficiency of the subsequent liquefaction cycle.
• Value-Added Outputs: The system offers ancillary benefits, including cooling and the potential for waste heat utilization, further contributing to sustainable community infrastructure.

Conclusion: Accelerating the Transition to a Sustainable Energy Future

The successful development and demonstration of these core LAES technologies by KIMM represent a critical step toward the commercialization of a viable, eco-friendly energy storage solution. This achievement directly supports Korea’s renewable energy objectives and provides a scalable model for advancing global sustainability targets. The project underscores the essential role of technological innovation in achieving a carbon-neutral future in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • The article’s central theme is the development of a Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) system. This technology is presented as a “next-generation solution for large-scale, long-duration energy storage” specifically designed to support the grid as “renewable energy adoption accelerates.” By addressing the intermittency of renewable sources, the LAES system directly contributes to making clean energy more reliable and accessible.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • The article highlights a significant technological innovation achieved by the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM). The development of a novel LAES system, including the independent design and manufacturing of a “turbo expander and cold box,” represents an advancement in industrial and energy infrastructure. The project, described as “Development of Core Machinery Technologies for Large-Scale Liquid Air Energy Storage,” is a clear example of research and development aimed at creating resilient and sustainable infrastructure.

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • The technology discussed is a direct response to a challenge posed by climate change mitigation strategies. By developing a system to “stabilizing the power grid and mitigating output intermittency” of renewable energy, the LAES technology facilitates a greater shift away from fossil fuels. The article emphasizes that this is an “eco-friendly solution,” which is crucial for climate action by enabling a more robust and widespread use of clean energy sources.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The article explicitly states that large-scale energy storage is “essential for Korea’s renewable energy future” and is needed as “renewable energy adoption accelerates.” The LAES system directly supports this target by solving the intermittency problem, which is a major barrier to increasing the share of renewables.
   • Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology… and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology. The article describes a “government-funded research institute” (KIMM) successfully developing “key technologies” for clean energy storage, which is a direct contribution to this target through national investment in clean energy R&D.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable… and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies. The LAES system is described as an “eco-friendly solution” and a “next-generation solution” that offers “site flexibility” unlike traditional energy storage methods. This represents the development and adoption of a clean technology to upgrade energy infrastructure.
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors… encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers. The entire article is a testament to this target, detailing how a research team led by Dr. Jun Young Park at a national institute conducted R&D, achieved “Korea’s first successful air liquefaction test,” and developed innovative components like a “high-speed turbo expander with static gas bearings.”

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. The statement by the principal researcher that “Large-scale energy storage is essential for Korea’s renewable energy future” implies that this technological development is part of a broader national strategy to transition to renewable energy, a key climate change mitigation measure.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators for SDG 7 Targets

   • For Target 7.2: The article provides a specific metric for the capacity of the developed technology: “The system can produce up to 10 tons of liquid air per day.” This production capacity is a direct indicator of the potential contribution to storing renewable energy and increasing its share in the grid.

2. Indicators for SDG 9 Targets

   • For Target 9.4: The successful development and demonstration of the LAES system itself serves as an indicator of the adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies. The article’s mention of its advantages over geographically constrained methods (pumped hydro, compressed air) is a qualitative indicator of its sustainability.
   • For Target 9.5: The existence of the “core project” titled “Development of Core Machinery Technologies for Large-Scale Liquid Air Energy Storage” and the fact that it is conducted by a “government-funded research institute” are strong indicators of public investment in R&D. The achievement of “Korea’s first successful air liquefaction test” is an indicator of successful innovation and enhanced technological capability.

3. Indicators for SDG 13 Targets

   • For Target 13.2: While not a quantitative metric, the article’s framing of the LAES project as “essential for Korea’s renewable energy future” implies that the development of such technologies is a key performance indicator for the country’s national strategy on climate and energy.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: newswise.com