Energy storage innovators like Hydrostor are promoting compressed air as a long duration energy storage solution to support more wind and solar resources on the grid, with comparisons showing it to be slightly cheaper than Li-ion batteries. Hydrostor has signed a significant offtake agreement with California Community Power for a 500-megawatt compressed air energy storage facility in Kern County, California, marking progress towards building resiliency, security, and diversity into the nation's energy storage assets. Community choice aggregation systems in states like California are negotiating for more affordable electricity rates, with Hydrostor's A-CAES energy storage system at the Willow Rock facility gaining attention for its innovative capabilities. The growth of energy storage projects, including Hydrostor's expansion in various locations, is focused on developing long duration, compressed air energy storage facilities to meet the increasing demand for renewable energy solutions.