Compressed air energy storage (CAES) systems: technological progress, challenges, and future prospects in renewable energy grids

• Comprehensive bibliometric review of CAES research from 2000 to 2024. • Annual CAES research growth rate of 20.68% identified globally. • Integration with renewables improves grid stability and flexibility. • Future research should target cost reduction and smart control systems. The intermittent nature of renewable sources injects uncertainty into power systems, often resulting in supply and demand mismatches. CAES is therefore seen as a feasible answer to this issue due to its technical, economic, and environmental advantages of a clean storage medium; scaling possibility; long duration for discharge; low rate of self-discharge; and inexpensive properties. There have been several studies in recent times aimed at improving the performance of the CAES technologies, there is however, no detailed bibliometric review that presents a comprehensive overview of the advances made on the technology. This review paper fills that gap by performing a comprehensive literature review on the subject from 2000 to 2024. The bibliometric analysis highlights the global escalation in interest in CAES-related fields, with an observed annual growth rate of 20.68%. From a technological perspective, major developments include the consideration of adiabatic and hybrid systems, integration with solid oxide fuel cells and organic Rankine cycles and improved thermal storage options. On the economic side, interest in hybrid CAES systems coupled with RES is rising due to strong performance indicators such as round-trip efficiencies up to 90% and levelized costs as low as $0.22/kWh. The techno-economic and lifecycle evaluations confirm CAES as a potential candidate for cost reductions and resilience in energy supply. However, other deployment issues are still present: high capital costs, site-specific restrictions, and regulatory processes. Future studies should concentrate on creating adaptable CAES designs, including intelligent control systems, and creating frameworks for supporting policies. In order to establish CAES as a key technology in the shift to low-carbon, sustainable energy systems, interdisciplinary cooperation will be essential.