Why Google is Backing Long-Duration Energy Storage
As intermittent renewable energy sources grow, the ability to store and dispatch energy is crucial.
From advanced geothermal and nuclear to emerging fusion technologies, clean energy innovation is advancing rapidly.
Now, a new partnership is set to fast-track another crucial piece of the clean energy puzzle: long-duration energy storage (LDES).
Google's alliance with Energy Dome
Google has initiated a long-term collaboration with Energy Dome, a company developing an LDES solution known as the CO₂ Battery.
This technology is designed to store surplus renewable energy and dispatch it during peak demand, bridging the gap between energy generation and consumption.
By offering the capability to deliver clean power for an impressive span of 8 to 24 hours, Energy Dome's system can significantly contribute to the realisation of seamless carbon-free energy.
Supported by a strategic investment from Google, this partnership seeks to expedite the global roll-out of Energy Dome’s commercial-scale CO₂ Battery projects, aligning with Google's 2030 target of operating entirely on clean energy round-the-clock.
Backed by a strategic investment from Google, the partnership aims to accelerate the deployment of Energy Dome’s commercial-scale CO₂ Battery projects worldwide, supporting the tech giant's goal of running its operations entirely on clean energy, every hour of every day, before 2030.
“This partnership marks a major step in solving one of the hardest challenges in the energy transition: how to keep the lights on when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing,” says Adam Elman, Sustainability Director at Google.
“By supporting multiple commercial projects globally, we’re accelerating the path to reliable, around-the-clock clean power for our operations and for the grids we all rely on.”
Why long-duration storage matters
Currently, the energy storage domain is dominated by lithium-ion batteries.
These systems are suitable for short-term applications and typically storing energy for up to four hours.
They have already proven effective in stabilising electricity grids in regions like Belgium and Nevada, US.
However, they lack the capacity to cover overnight demands or prolonged periods of low renewable activity.
This is where LDES can provide transformative benefits.
According to the Electric Power Research Institute, LDES technologies could significantly enhance grid flexibility and reliability.
The LDES Council estimates that up to eight terawatts of LDES capacity deployed by 2040 could save up to US$540bn annually worldwide by reducing inefficiencies and cutting reliance on fossil fuels.
Inside the CO₂ Battery
Energy Dome’s innovative approach centres around a unique application of carbon dioxide.
During periods of surplus renewable energy, the CO₂ Battery compresses CO₂ gas into a liquid state.
Later, when clean energy is required, the system allows the liquid CO₂ to expand back into gas, powering a turbine to generate electricity.
This thermodynamic cycle facilitates a carbon-free method of storing energy for extended durations.
The commercial viability of this technology has already been showcased.
Energy Dome has operated a demonstration facility in Italy for more than three years and secured contracts for larger projects in Italy, the US and India, including a 20MW/200MWh facility currently under construction.
Speed, scale and system impact
Unlike some advanced clean technologies that may require years to reach maturity, Energy Dome’s CO₂ Battery is nearing readiness for large-scale commercial deployment.
Its swift scalability presents a viable immediate solution for grid operators who face mounting pressure to integrate renewables without compromising reliability.
For Google, this partnership extends beyond just decarbonising its infrastructure, aiming to be a catalyst for broad industry transformation.
Alongside the collaboration with Energy Dome, Google is committed to fostering a supportive ecosystem for LDES innovators, facilitating early-stage technologies through investment and advocacy in policy.
