The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday edition that energy storage developer Hydrostor Inc. is close to breaking ground on its first utility-scale project after receiving final regulatory approval in California. The Globe's Jeffrey Jones writes that Toronto-based Hydrostor said it is finalizing off-take agreements with utilities in the state before starting construction at its $1.5-billion (U.S.) Willow Rock Energy Storage Center north of Los Angeles. The project, which has been under review for more than four years, is one of two large developments the company expects to start in 2026. The other is in New South Wales, Australia. Its long-duration technology, known as advanced compressed air energy storage, is designed to smooth out electricity supply on power grids, storing excess power generated from renewable sources such as wind and solar until it is needed. Hydrostor's system works by pumping compressed air into a cavern deep underground. The rush of air pushes water up to a reservoir at the surface. When electricity is needed, the water is released back into the cavern, sending the air out and driving turbines to generate power. Its backers include Goldman Sachs and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.