A review: Research progress and prospects of large-scale energy storage in underground salt caverns

Salt cavern energy storage (SCES) is an underground large-scale energy storage method that takes advantage of the wide distribution, large volume, stability, good sealing properties, and low permeability of salt caverns to store energy. Currently, salt caverns are widely used for large-scale storage of oil, natural gas, hydrogen, and other forms of energy. Looking ahead, the development of salt cavern compressed air energy storage and salt cavern hydrogen storage is expected to become more widespread. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the development history of salt cavern energy storage, including the evolution of oil storage, gas storage, and compressed air energy storage, while also addressing the challenges faced in these areas. Additionally, the paper proposes the role of new materials in optimizing SCES systems. The review focuses on the current state of salt cavern energy storage technologies and their future prospects, with analyzing and summarizing advancements and challenges in the field. • The development trajectory of salt cavern energy storage has been reviewed. • The technologies of salt cavern energy storage have been systematically reviewed. • The development prospects of salt cavern flow batteries are emphasized. • Economic policy analysis is integrated to elucidate development prospects. • The development trends of salt cavern energy storage have been thoroughly examined.