News | Headlines
700 MW storage project starts up
China Energy storage China’s Huaneng Jiangsu Branch has completed full start-up of the two main units at the second phase of the Huaneng Jintan salt cavern compressed air energy storage project, taking the facility’s total Phase II capacity to 700 MW. The Phase II project has a designed storage duration of eight hours and uses naturally formed salt caverns around 1 km underground to store compressed air. Huaneng said the two units have now achieved stable operation, marking a major commissioning milestone for the large-scale storage facility. During start-up, the project used the salt cavern developed during Phase I as a test facility. Engineers assessed the coordinated operation of the compressors, expanders, thermal energy storage and heat-exchange equipment, together with the plant’s control systems.
Huaneng said key operating parameters, including vibration, temperature and pressure, remained within design requirements during the tests. The next stage will involve pre-grid-connection checks followed by system integration testing. The project is designed to absorb surplus electricity, including renewable generation,
during periods of lower demand and return power to the grid during peak periods. Its eight-hour storage duration gives it a longer discharge capability than many lithium-ion battery projects, making it suited to shifting electricity across larger portions of the daily demand cycle.
The Jintan project is located in Jiangsu province in the Yangtze River Delta, a region with significant electricity demand and growing renewable generation. Huaneng said the facility will provide peak-shaving and rapid-response services while helping accommodate additional renewable power. Salt cavern compressed-air storage uses underground cavities to contain compressed air. During charging, electricity drives compressors to inject air into the cavern. When electricity is required, the stored air is released through expansion equipment to generate power.
The completion of Phase II testing follows the development of the first phase at Jintan and provides further operating experience with large-capacity salt cavern storage. Once fully commissioned, the project is expected to contribute to grid balancing and renewable energy integration in eastern China.
MoU to advance Atlantic
Canada offshore wind Canada Wind power
Net Zero Atlantic has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with three European organisations to support Atlantic Canada’s emerging offshore wind sector.
The agreement, concluded during WindEnergy Hamburg 2026, brings together the Carbon Trust in the UK, France Energies Marines, Stiftung OFFSHORE-WINDENERGIE and Net Zero Atlantic. It formalises cooperation on knowledge sharing, international links and experience from mature offshore wind markets. The arrangement is intended to enable exchanges in both directions between European jurisdictions and the Atlantic Canada region. The organisations aim to support decision-making and help establish the conditions for an offshore wind industry that is credible to investors across the region. It also connects the emerging market with countries that have established offshore wind sectors.
Under the MoU, the Carbon Trust will provide expertise in policy, market development, commercial readiness and procurement. France Energies Marines will contribute offshore wind science, technical analysis, innovation, and industry tools and methodologies. Stiftung
Offshore Windenergie will bring experience in industry development, supply chains, stakeholder coordination and offshore wind ecosystem growth. Net Zero Atlantic will focus on regional leadership and applied research within Atlantic Canada. Areas identified for potential collaboration include capacity building, energy system modelling, environmental and permitting support, marine surveys, offshore wind resource assessment, and transmission and cabling analysis. Net Zero Atlantic CEO Alisdair McLean said: “Atlantic Canada has an opportunity to develop a strong and globally competitive offshore wind industry, supported by world-class wind resources and growing demand for clean energy. By partnering with organisations that have deep experience in established offshore wind markets, we can share knowledge, strengthen relationships and accelerate offshore wind readiness.”
The participating organisations stated that their partnership will evolve as opportunities and offshore wind readiness activities develop further in Atlantic Canada. Efforts to prepare for offshore wind development are increasing in Atlantic Canada, with contributions from all the concerned communities.
8 | October 2026 |
www.modernpowersystems.com GICON
completes tallest wind turbine tower
Germany Wind power A high-altitude wind turbine developed by GICON has reached a total height of 365 metres at a pilot site in Schipkau, Germany, with its telescoping tower now extended to its final position. The 365-metre structure is described by GICON as the world’s tallest wind turbine and the second-tallest structure in Germany.
The inner tower was raised to a hub height of 300 metres using a strand jack system. The tower was then locked into its extended position. Final construction work is expected to continue for several days, with commissioning of the tower planned for November.
The pilot project was commissioned by Germany’s Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation (SPRIND) and is designed to test whether wind turbines can produce more energy by operating at greater heights, where wind conditions can be stronger and more consistent. GICON says the 3.8 MW pilot turbine could produce roughly twice the energy of a conventional turbine with the same rotor diameter. Future versions are planned with rated outputs above 7 MW.
The project uses a telescoping tower rather than a conventional fixed-height structure, allowing the turbine to be raised to a hub height substantially above that of most existing onshore wind installations. Dr Martin Chaumet, innovation manager at SPRIND, said the project had moved from an experimental concept to a working installation, describing the achievement as an important milestone for the technology. Completion of the pilot is also intended to provide a basis for developing commercial versions. GICON estimates that as many as 4000 high-altitude turbines could potentially be installed as a second tier at existing German wind farms, adding generation without requiring additional wind farm sites. The project is now moving towards commissioning and assessment of its performance before potential commercial deployment.
Image credit: Gicon
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