Korea’s Breakthrough in Liquid Air Energy Storage
As the world pivots towards renewable energy, one of the toughest challenges lies in balancing power supply with demand. Solar and wind are plentiful but unpredictable, often generating surplus power when it’s not needed and falling short during peak times.
Against this backdrop, the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) has unveiled a landmark development in Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) that could transform Korea’s energy landscape.
Pioneering technologies take shape
Led by Principal Researcher Dr. Jun Young Park of KIMM’s Department of Energy Storage Systems, the research team has designed and manufactured two vital components of LAES: a turbo expander and a cold box. Both have been successfully demonstrated, marking Korea’s first-ever air liquefaction test for energy storage.
The achievement is not just academic. This system can produce up to 10 tonnes of liquid air per day, laying the groundwork for large-scale commercialisation. According to Dr. Park: “Large-scale energy storage is essential for Korea’s renewable energy future. Our achievement positions LAES as a viable, eco-friendly solution, free from geographical limitations, and accelerates the pathway to commercialisation.”
How liquid air energy storage works
The process begins by liquefying air at ultra-low temperatures during periods of low electricity demand, effectively storing surplus energy. When power demand rises, the liquid air is evaporated and expanded through turbines to generate electricity.
Unlike pumped hydro storage, which needs reservoirs, or compressed air energy storage, which requires underground caverns, LAES has far fewer geographical constraints. The system can be deployed in industrial zones, near renewable energy plants, or even in urban areas where flexibility is vital. Beyond storage, LAES also delivers added value by reusing waste heat and providing cooling for nearby operations.
The turbo expander
One of the standout innovations from KIMM is the turbo expander, capable of stable rotation at over 100,000 RPM. Built with static gas bearings, the expander avoids the wear and lubrication issues common to mechanical bearings. A hollow shaft with thermal insulation further prevents heat ingress, maintaining efficiency even at ambient conditions.
This advancement is critical, as turbo expanders are the beating heart of LAES technology, dictating how effectively liquefied air can be stored and converted back into power.
The cold box
KIMM’s cold box is no less impressive. Using multi-layer insulation and an ultra-high vacuum, it minimises heat ingress and ensures energy efficiency throughout the liquefaction process. The design cleverly recycles cold energy generated during power production, reducing energy loss and enhancing system performance.
The combination of these technologies ensures not only technical feasibility but also commercial scalability. By solving inefficiencies that have held back earlier prototypes, KIMM’s system could be the key to rolling out LAES on an industrial scale.
A strategic collaboration
This research is part of the national project: “Development of Core Machinery Technologies for Large-Scale Liquid Air Energy Storage.” It was carried out with support from KIMM’s Liquid Hydrogen Technology Research Center and the Gimhae Cryogenic Machinery Demonstration Research Center.
Such collaboration ensures cross-pollination between hydrogen and cryogenic technologies, both of which are critical to Korea’s ambitions in building a resilient, low-carbon energy system.
Why LAES matters for Korea
Korea is a country with limited natural resources, heavily dependent on energy imports. As it ramps up solar, wind, and hydrogen infrastructure, integrating reliable storage solutions becomes non-negotiable. LAES could act as the backbone of this transition, creating what policymakers often describe as an “energy superhighway.”
Compared to lithium-ion batteries, LAES offers advantages in lifespan, safety, and scalability. Batteries degrade over time, require scarce raw materials, and face recycling challenges. LAES, on the other hand, relies on air, which is abundant, free, and sustainable.
Internationally, LAES has been championed by companies such as Highview Power in the UK, which has piloted plants capable of delivering grid-scale storage. KIMM’s breakthrough positions Korea among the frontrunners in advancing this next-generation technology.
Broader benefits beyond the grid
The versatility of LAES goes beyond balancing renewable supply and demand. Its ability to deliver cooling and recycle waste heat opens new opportunities for industrial applications. Factories, data centres, and hospitals could all benefit from collocated LAES systems, reducing energy costs while supporting decarbonisation goals.
Moreover, integrating LAES into Korea’s broader hydrogen strategy could unlock synergies. Cryogenic processes underpin both technologies, making it possible to co-develop storage and distribution networks that serve hydrogen and electricity markets alike.
The path to commercialisation
For LAES to scale, further work is needed on cost reduction, integration with existing grid infrastructure, and policy support. Korea’s government has already signalled its intent to foster homegrown energy technologies, and KIMM’s achievement gives it a strong domestic platform.
Analysts suggest that as global energy markets shift towards long-duration storage, the commercial case for LAES will only strengthen. Investment in demonstration plants, partnerships with utilities, and integration into renewable clusters could accelerate deployment.
Building momentum for the future
KIMM’s achievement is more than just a technical milestone. It’s a statement of intent that Korea is serious about developing sovereign capabilities in advanced energy storage. By building on decades of cryogenic expertise and aligning with global clean energy trends, the institute has set the stage for Korea’s energy superhighway.
If successfully commercialised, LAES could become a cornerstone of the country’s strategy to achieve net-zero while maintaining grid reliability. For a nation intent on energy independence and sustainability, this innovation is a major leap forward.
