Wind turbines in Vantage, Washington.

These wind turbines whirring above the clouds in Vantage, Washington are just part of the Pacific Northwest's renewable energy boom. To manage a surplus of intermittent power, U.S. scientists propose underground compressed air storage in porous volcanic rock.

Photograph by Gordon King, Yakima Herald-Republic/AP

Too Much Wind Energy? Save It Underground in Volcanic Rock Reservoirs

A new study shows compressed air storage in porous geologic formations could help the Pacific Northwest manage its surplus of intermittent renewable energy.

ByJosie Garthwaite
Published July 3, 2013