Google and Energy Dome are developing a 23MW/200MWh CO2 battery project in County Offaly, Ireland, to support long-duration energy storage and improve grid reliability. The facility will store excess renewable electricity during periods of oversupply and release it when demand increases, helping balance the power system and reduce renewable energy curtailment. The project also supports Ireland’s goal of reaching 80% renewable electricity by 2030 and serves as a blueprint for deploying long-duration energy storage technologies to strengthen energy security, grid resilience, and the transition to 24/7 carbon-free electricity.
Key Takeaways
- Google and Energy Dome launched a 23MW CO2 battery project.
- The project will be built in County Offaly, Ireland.
- Storage capacity will reach 200MWh.
- The plant is expected to enter operation in 2028.
- The project supports Ireland’s 80% renewable target.
- Energy Dome will own and operate the facility.
- The technology uses compressed carbon dioxide for energy storage.
- The site is located on a former thermal power station.
Long-Duration Energy Storage Comes to Ireland
Google and Italian energy storage company Energy Dome have announced plans to develop a 23MW/200MWh long-duration energy storage plant in County Offaly, Ireland.
The project represents the first commercial deployment under the companies’ strategic partnership announced last year and forms part of Google’s efforts to expand access to round-the-clock carbon-free electricity.
Located near the town of Rhode, the facility will use Energy Dome’s CO2 Battery technology to store renewable energy and deliver electricity back to the grid when needed.
CO2 Battery Technology Supports Renewable Energy
Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, Energy Dome’s technology uses carbon dioxide in a closed-loop cycle.
Electricity generated during periods of excess renewable production is used to compress and store carbon dioxide. When electricity demand rises, the stored gas is expanded through turbines to generate electricity.
The technology offers several advantages:
- Long-duration energy storage.
- Reduced dependence on critical minerals.
- Greater grid flexibility.
- Lower renewable energy curtailment.
- Improved energy security.
The company says the technology relies on readily available industrial components.
Project to Be Commissioned in 2028
The County Offaly facility is expected to become operational in 2028.
The project has already secured a grid connection to the Greater Dublin electricity network and has received a ten-year capacity contract from EirGrid, Ireland’s national electricity transmission operator.
Energy Dome will own and operate the site, with plans to potentially add a second 200MWh battery system in the future.
The expansion could eventually establish a major long-duration energy storage hub within Ireland.
Supporting Ireland’s Renewable Energy Goals
Ireland has established ambitious renewable energy targets, including obtaining 80% renewable electricity by 2030.
According to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, renewable energy supplied 40.7% of Ireland’s electricity generation in 2023.
However, increasing renewable generation creates new challenges for grid operators.
Periods of high wind and solar production often lead to electricity curtailment because supply exceeds demand.
Long-duration energy storage can help address this issue by storing surplus electricity and delivering it later when demand increases.
Context is everything. Stay ahead of shifting trends with today’s market updates, and uncover emerging opportunities using the Serrari Group Market Index and Marketplace. Then, take control of your own financial future by exploring our Money & Life Reset Transformation Blueprint ™ to build stronger habits, create better systems, and design a path toward lasting wealth.
Former Power Plant Receives New Purpose
The project will be developed on the site of a former peat-fired thermal power plant.
Repurposing existing industrial sites provides several benefits:
- Utilization of existing infrastructure.
- Reduced land development requirements.
- Local economic activity.
- Job creation.
- Community redevelopment opportunities.
The surrounding region already hosts significant wind and solar resources that frequently experience congestion on the local grid.
The battery facility may help relieve these bottlenecks.
Google Expands Energy Storage Partnerships
The Irish project is part of Google’s broader strategy to support 24/7 carbon-free energy.
The company has previously partnered with Energy Dome on another CO2 battery project in Arizona.
The companies intend to expand deployments across:
- Europe.
- North America.
- Asia-Pacific.
Google views long-duration energy storage as an important technology for enabling reliable clean electricity systems.
Energy Dome Expands Commercial Deployments
Energy Dome already has projects under development with several energy companies around the world.
Its growing portfolio includes projects involving:
- Alliant Energy in the United States.
- Engie in Italy.
- NTPC in India.
The company believes long-duration storage will become increasingly important as renewable energy penetration rises globally.
Outlook
The partnership between Google and Energy Dome demonstrates the growing importance of long-duration energy storage in modern electricity systems. By storing surplus renewable electricity and releasing it during periods of high demand, the CO2 battery project could improve grid reliability while supporting Ireland’s transition toward cleaner energy.
If successful, the project may serve as a model for future deployments across Europe and other regions, helping utilities integrate larger volumes of renewable energy while improving energy security, reducing congestion, and supporting the development of affordable low-carbon electricity systems.
FAQs
1. What is a CO2 battery?
A CO2 battery stores electricity by compressing carbon dioxide and later releasing it through turbines to generate electricity.
2. Where will the project be built?
The facility will be located near Rhode in County Offaly, Ireland.
3. When will the project begin operations?
The 23MW/200MWh facility is expected to be commissioned in 2028.
4. Why is long-duration energy storage important?
Long-duration energy storage helps balance renewable energy supply and demand, improving grid stability and supporting higher levels of clean electricity generation.
Sources: Google Blog, Energy-Storage.News, Data Center Dynamics, Yahoo Finance, gasworld, Energy Dome
Your financial future isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you build.
The real question is: when do you begin?
Move beyond simply staying informed.
Navigate the markets with clarity—track trends through the Serrari Group Market Index, uncover opportunities in the Serrari Marketplace, and build practical knowledge with our Curated Wealth Builder Platform.
Stay connected to what truly matters.
Get daily insights on macro trends and financial movements across Kenya, Africa, and global markets—delivered through the Serrari Newsletter.
Growth opens doors.
Advance your career through professional programs including ACCA, HESI A2, ATI TEAS 7 , HESI EXIT , NCLEX – RN and NCLEX – PN, Financial Literacy!🌟—designed to move you forward with confidence.
See where money is flowing—clearly and in real time.
Track Money Market Funds, Treasury Bills, Treasury Bonds, Green Bonds, and Fixed Deposits, alongside global and African indexes, key economic indicators, and the evolving Crypto and stablecoin landscape—all within Serrari’s Market Index.
