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Sep. 30, 2026A New Chapter for Long-Duration Energy Storage Begins in China
On September 30, the Huadian Mulei 100MW/1,000MWh Compressed CO₂ Energy Storage Project in Northwest China successfully connected to the grid.
Developed with Exa Energy providing the technology, core equipment, and system integration, the project represents a major milestone for the commercialization of compressed CO₂ energy storage.
With 100 MW / 1,000 MWh of capacity and approximately 10 hours of storage duration, the project demonstrates how long-duration energy storage can support large-scale renewable energy integration and grid flexibility.
Key project highlights:
- 100 MW / 1,000 MWh energy storage capacity
- Approximately 10-hour duration
- 30+ year operating life
- More than 20,000 frequent start-stop cycles
- Approximately 56 hectares of project area
- Five CO₂ gas storage chambers, 141 liquid storage units and 97 thermal storage units
- Full-load operation achievable in less than 20 minutes
- Intelligent operation and remote monitoring capabilities
The project is expected to store approximately 290 million kWh of renewable electricity annually during low-demand periods and release around 180 million kWh during peak periods, contributing to renewable energy integration while reducing approximately 170,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
Why does CO₂ energy storage matter?
As renewable penetration increases, the energy system needs storage solutions capable of moving beyond conventional short-duration applications.
Compressed CO₂ energy storage offers a pathway for large-scale, long-duration and frequent-cycle energy storage, while being less dependent on specific geological conditions than pumped hydro. This creates opportunities for deployment across a wide range of environments and markets.
For Exa Energy, this project represents more than a single milestone. It demonstrates the potential to move CO₂ energy storage from demonstration toward large-scale commercial deployment.
We are continuing to work with partners across Europe, the Middle East, South Asia and other international markets to bring long-duration CO₂ energy storage to new power systems and renewable energy projects around the world.
Long-duration energy storage is becoming critical infrastructure for the renewable energy era.
CO₂ energy storage is ready for the next stage.
