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Ireland to Host 23 MW CO₂ Battery Storage Facility in Partnership with Google and Energy Dome
Shivam Das
July 12, 2026
Ireland to Host 23 MW CO₂ Battery Storage Facility in Partnership with Google and Energy Dome
As the world's energy landscape continues to shift toward renewable sources, Ireland is taking a significant step toward long-duration energy storage with a 23 MW / 200 MWh "CO₂ Battery" facility, a joint venture between Italian company Energy Dome and tech giant Google. Expected to come online in 2028, this project aims to alleviate the challenges of integrating renewable energy into the grid without relying on the critical minerals used in lithium-ion batteries, such as lithium, cobalt, and others. This innovative technology has garnered attention online, particularly after a post by user @docrussjackson on July 11, 2026, which explained the concept in accessible terms and was later clarified as AI-generated.
The facility will be situated in County Offaly, Ireland, on the site of a former peat-fired power plant, adjacent to the Rhode Green Energy Park, a hub for solar and wind generation. According to EirGrid, Ireland's transmission system operator, the project has secured a 10-year capacity contract. This development is in line with Ireland's climate goals, as the country transitions away from peat, a high-emission fuel, and toward a more sustainable energy mix.
### The Technology: How the CO₂ Battery Works
Energy Dome's proprietary CO₂ Battery employs a closed-loop thermo-mechanical cycle, leveraging the physical properties of carbon dioxide instead of chemical reactions typical of lithium-ion batteries. The charging phase involves using excess electricity from renewables to power compressors, which compress gaseous CO₂ into a liquid state at ambient temperatures. The heat released during compression is captured and stored in a thermal energy storage system, often using water or other media.
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The discharging phase involves using the stored heat to warm the liquid CO₂, causing it to evaporate and expand rapidly, driving a turbine connected to a generator to produce electricity. The CO₂ then returns to its gaseous state and is stored back in the system for the next cycle. This closed-loop design ensures that the CO₂ never leaves the system, resulting in zero direct emissions during operation. The system primarily uses steel, water, and CO₂, abundant and globally available materials that minimize supply chain vulnerabilities associated with rare earths and battery metals.
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### Key Facts About the CO₂ Battery
The CO₂ Battery boasts an impressive performance profile, with key claims including a round-trip efficiency of 70%+ net (AC-to-AC) and no degradation over time. Its lifespan is estimated to be 30+ years, with 100% depth of discharge and minimal performance loss, compared to lithium-ion batteries, which have a lifespan of less than 12 years and degrade over time. According to Energy Dome, the CAPEX for the CO₂ Battery is competitive, offering a lower cost than lithium-ion equivalents in many analyses. Additionally, the technology provides physical inertia for grid stability, frequency regulation, and voltage support, and is modular and scalable.
### Project Details: Location and Context in Ireland
The facility will be located near Rhode in County Offaly, on the site of a decommissioned peat-fired thermal power plant, adjacent to the Rhode Green Energy Park—a hub for solar and wind generation. This location benefits from secured land, planning consent, grid connection, and a 10-year capacity contract from EirGrid, Ireland's transmission system operator. Ireland's Midlands have historically relied on peat for energy; however, the country is transitioning away from this high-emission fuel as part of its climate goals.
According to PV Magazine, this development is a significant step toward reducing Ireland's reliance on peat and increasing its use of renewable energy. By leveraging the CO₂ Battery technology, Ireland can mitigate the intermittency of renewable energy sources and ensure a more stable and efficient energy supply.
### The People Behind the Project
Energy Dome's CEO, Marco Mattia, emphasized the potential of the CO₂ Battery technology, stating that it can "provide a game-changing solution for the energy sector." Google's involvement in the project reflects the company's commitment to renewable energy and reducing its carbon footprint. The collaboration between Energy Dome and Google highlights the growing interest in innovative energy storage solutions and the potential for partnerships to drive progress in this field.
### Implications and Next Steps
The success of the CO₂ Battery facility in Ireland has sparked interest in the potential for similar projects globally. The technology's scalability, flexibility, and reduced environmental impact make it an attractive solution for countries aiming to transition to renewable energy sources. As the world continues to shift toward a more sustainable energy mix, the CO₂ Battery technology is poised to play a significant role in ensuring a stable and efficient energy supply.
### Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of the CO₂ Battery facility in Ireland?
The facility has a capacity of 23 MW / 200 MWh.
How does the CO₂ Battery technology work?
The CO₂ Battery uses a closed-loop thermo-mechanical cycle, leveraging the physical properties of carbon dioxide instead of chemical reactions typical of lithium-ion batteries. During the charging phase, excess electricity from renewables powers compressors, which compress gaseous CO₂ into a liquid state at ambient temperatures. The heat released during compression is captured and stored in a thermal energy storage system. In the discharging phase, the stored heat warms the liquid CO₂, causing it to evaporate and expand rapidly, driving a turbine connected to a generator to produce electricity.
What are the key performance claims of the CO₂ Battery technology?
The CO₂ Battery boasts an impressive performance profile, with a round-trip efficiency of 70%+ net (AC-to-AC) and no degradation over time. Its lifespan is estimated to be 30+ years, with 100% depth of discharge and minimal performance loss. Additionally, the technology provides physical inertia for grid stability, frequency regulation, and voltage support, and is modular and scalable.
Who is involved in the project?
The project is a joint venture between Italian company Energy Dome and tech giant Google. Energy Dome's CEO, Marco Mattia, emphasized the potential of the CO₂ Battery technology, stating that it can "provide a game-changing solution for the energy sector." Google's involvement in the project reflects the company's commitment to renewable energy and reducing its carbon footprint.
What are the benefits of the CO₂ Battery technology?
The CO₂ Battery technology provides several benefits, including a reduced environmental impact due to its closed-loop design, which ensures that the CO₂ never leaves the system, resulting in zero direct emissions during operation. Additionally, the system primarily uses steel, water, and CO₂, abundant and globally available materials that minimize supply chain vulnerabilities associated with rare earths and battery metals. The technology also provides physical inertia for grid stability, frequency regulation, and voltage support, and is modular and scalable.
Conclusion
The 23 MW CO₂ Battery facility in Ireland, in partnership with Google and Energy Dome, marks a significant step toward a more sustainable energy future. With its impressive performance profile, reduced environmental impact, and scalability, this technology has the potential to play a critical role in ensuring a stable and efficient energy supply. As the world continues to shift toward renewable energy sources, the CO₂ Battery technology is poised to be a game-changer in the energy sector.
