Not just hot air?

Anthony Price explains how compressed air energy storage may challenge traditional battery systems in some important developing markets.

A long time ago, I remember seeing a diesel generator running lights and small electrical equipment in use on a construction site.  It was cold, and the diesel was proving obstinate to start.  On the side of the machine was a small cylinder containing compressed air.  To start the genset, the operator bled the air through a small turbine and this spun the machine, with the intention of firing the engine.  When this failed, the operator resorted to using a lever . . .