On May 8, the world’s first 660MW artificial cavern-type compressed air energy storage (CAES) demonstration project, developed and invested in by China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC) in Dunhuang, Jiuquan, Gansu Province, passed its feasibility review. This milestone marks China’s entry into a new era of 600MW-class single-unit CAES technology.
Located in Dunhuang, Jiuquan, the project is a key component of the “Dunhuang All-Green Power Station Base.” It adopts CEEC’s proprietary CAES system solution, achieving three world records: single-unit capacity (660MW), energy storage capacity (2,640MWh), and air storage volume (nearly 500,000 cubic meters). This breakthrough represents a comprehensive leap in CAES technology, driving down per-kilowatt costs, improving system efficiency, and accelerating industry advancement.
With a total dynamic investment exceeding 4.6 billion yuan, the project can store 20,000 tons of compressed air in a single cycle, supporting 660MW full-load operation for 8 hours of storage and 4 hours of discharge, generating 2.64 million kWh of electricity per cycle—equivalent to one week’s power consumption for Dunhuang’s permanent residents. Upon completion, it will significantly enhance Gansu Province’s green energy absorption capacity, bolster its new-type power system, and drive upgrades in traditional equipment and supporting industries. The project also promotes circular economy development, advances China’s “dual-carbon” goals, and accelerates the growth of new quality productive forces, serving as a critical model for sustainable energy innovation.
The “All-Green Power Station Base,” a pioneering concept proposed by CEEC Digital Technology Group, integrates large-scale clean energy generation with novel long-duration physical storage technologies to form a fully green power system. Centered on the Jiuquan-Dunhuang 660MW CAES project, the base will establish a comprehensive green energy export hub combining wind/solar power, multi-energy storage, digital regulation, and ultra-high voltage direct current (UHVDC) transmission, setting a benchmark for renewable energy integration and grid stability.
