A Toronto-based energy company has launched the first zero-emission advanced compressed air storage facility in the world at a deserted mine in Goderich.
In partnership with NRStor, Hydrostor will use subterranean chambers and tunnels below the town to capture surplus energy that would otherwise be wasted, and store it for later use.
The storage facility is one of only three of its kind in the world, but the Goderich site is the only one that has a zero carbon footprint.
"When there is surplus electricity, like at night, we pull in atmospheric air, pressurize it, send it a couple kilometres underground and store it in a salt cavern," said Hydrostor CEO Curtis VanWalleghem. "The pressurized air is held there."
VanWalleghem said the technology is a cost-effective solution and lays a path towards the reduction of the cost of electricity.
