The brief

Analyst view

• Highview's LAES compresses and liquefies air at -196°C in insulated tanks for storage over days or weeks.
• The 300 MWh Carrington plant near Manchester has a stability island operational by August 2026, with full LAES expected in 2027.
• Hunterston and Killingholme projects (3.2 GWh each) advanced through Ofgem's cap-and-floor scheme, eligible for final award summer 2026.

Technical approach

As reported

Cooling

Cryogenic air liquefaction at -196°C

Compressors cool and liquefy air, reducing volume 700-fold. Liquid is stored in insulated cryogenic tanks.

Expansion

Turbines expand liquid back to gas

When power is needed, liquid expands through turbines, generating electricity. Waste heat from compression is recovered.

Duration

Multi-week storage without degradation

LAES holds energy for weeks or months with minimal loss, unlike batteries that self-discharge.

Grid

Stabilizes grids with high renewables

LAES provides firm power on demand, balancing variable wind and solar over long periods.

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