How does Cheesecake Energy’s eTanker system achieve a 30% cost reduction compared to traditional CAES

Cheesecake Energy’s eTanker system achieves a cost reduction of approximately 30-40% compared to traditional Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) systems and other energy storage technologies like lithium-ion batteries through several innovative strategies:

1. Repurposing Existing Infrastructure:

Reusing Engines: The eTanker system repurposes ex-service truck engines as air compressors, leveraging existing industrial components instead of manufacturing new ones. This approach reduces production costs and minimizes waste by utilizing materials already available in the supply chain.
Utilizing Existing Skids: The system stores high-pressure air in skids from the compressed natural gas industry, leveraging existing infrastructure to reduce costs associated with custom-made pressure vessels.

2. Minimal Environmental Footprint and Circular Economy Principles:

No Rare or Toxic Materials: Unlike lithium-ion batteries, the eTanker system does not use rare or toxic materials. This reduces procurement costs and environmental risks associated with extraction and disposal.
Full Recyclability: The system is fully recyclable, ensuring that at the end of its life cycle, components can be easily reused or disposed of without additional environmental impact.

3. Cost-Effective Energy Storage Method:

Combination of Thermal and Compressed Air Storage: By using both thermal energy storage and compressed air, the eTanker system can achieve higher efficiency and lower operation costs compared to traditional CAES systems, which often rely solely on compressed air.

4. Simplified Operations and Modular Design:

Containerized Solution: The system is designed as a modular, containerized package, which makes it easier and cheaper to deploy and transport compared to traditional CAES systems that often require large underground caverns.

Overall, Cheesecake Energy’s eTanker system offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional energy storage solutions, making it an attractive option for long-duration energy storage needs without the environmental drawbacks associated with many conventional technologies.

Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-cheesecake-energys-etanker-system-achieve-a-30-cost-reduction-compared-to-traditional-caes/