Gives a brief history and overview of the progress and the potential of thermal storage in off-peak turbine inlet cooling. Gas turbines with generators appear to be the power generation method of the future with efficiency comparable to steam plants and at a far lower cost, easier siting, and fast response. The one major disadvantage, that of losing power when most needed, is overcome by turbine inlet cooling from thermal energy storage.

KEYWORDS: history, performance, energy storage, combustion, turbines, energy conservation, gas turbines, off peak electricity, inlets, air, cooling.