The cost of liquid air energy storage (LAES) and pumped hydro storage (PHS) can be compared in terms of levelized cost of storage (LCOS) and capital expenditures.
Levelized Cost of Storage (LCOS)
- Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES): Studies suggest that LAES can achieve an LCOS of around $60 per megawatt-hour (MWh), which is significantly lower than that of lithium-ion batteries and half the cost of pumped hydro.
- Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS): The LCOS for PHS is generally higher than LAES. According to some estimates, the LCOS for PHS is roughly $140 per MWh.
Capital Expenditure
- Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES): The capital expenditure for LAES systems varies but is reported to range from $882 to $1,177 per kilowatt. However, when expressed in terms of kilowatt-hours, the cost is often estimated to be between €300 and €600 per kWh.
- Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS): PHS typically requires high upfront costs due to infrastructure needs like dams and reservoirs. However, specific costs per kilowatt or kilowatt-hour for PHS are less commonly reported in recent literature.
Comparison Summary
| Technology | LCOS (per MWh) | Capital Expenditure (per kW) |
|---|---|---|
| LAES | $60 | $882 to $1,177 |
| PHS | ≈ $140 | High upfront infrastructure costs |
In summary, LAES offers a competitive LCOS compared to PHS, making it a potentially more economical choice for long-duration energy storage. However, PHS has been a well-established technology with long-term reliability and efficiency benefits, especially in regions with suitable geography.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-cost-of-liquid-air-energy-storage-compare-to-pumped-hydro-storage/
