Cache Power's Marguerite Lake CAES Project Aims for Net-Zero Emissions
Cache Power is developing a groundbreaking energy storage project at Marguerite Lake, Alberta. The Marguerite Lake Compressed Air Energy Storage and Hydrogen Hub project aims to reach net-zero emissions by storing renewable energy as compressed air in underground salt caverns and later releasing it to generate electricity. The project, led by Cache Power, a subsidiary of Federation Group, has awarded an engineering study contract to Babcock & Wilcox (B&W).
The project will utilise B&W's BrightLoop energy production and decarbonization technology. BrightLoop is a flexible chemical looping system that produces steam, hydrogen, or syngas while isolating CO2. The facility will reheat compressed air with either natural gas or hydrogen before it passes through turbines to generate electricity. The 640 MW CAES facility will be built in two identical 320 MW phases and provide 48 hours of storage capacity. BrightLoop technology will generate up to 60 tonnes of hydrogen per day. The engineering study is partially funded by Alberta Innovates.
The Marguerite Lake CAES and Hydrogen Hub Project is a significant step towards a cleaner energy future. By storing renewable energy and generating hydrogen, the project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the development of a hydrogen economy. The project's progress will be closely monitored as it moves towards its net-zero emissions goal.
