Google Builds 23MW Clean Energy Battery in Ireland

A former coal plant in County Offaly, Ireland is getting a second life as a cutting-edge clean energy storage facility that could change how renewable power works.

Google and Energy Dome are building a 23MW plant that stores 200MWh of energy using an innovative CO2 battery system. The facility will capture surplus solar and wind power during sunny, windy days and release it back to the grid when demand spikes or weather changes.

The project tackles one of renewable energy's biggest challenges: the sun doesn't always shine and wind doesn't always blow when people need electricity most. Traditional batteries work for short bursts, but this long-duration storage system can hold power for hours or even days.

Energy Dome's technology works by compressing CO2 gas when excess renewable energy is available, then releasing it through a turbine to generate electricity when needed. This process makes the grid more reliable without burning fossil fuels or wasting clean energy that would otherwise go unused.

The partnership builds on a long-term agreement the companies announced last year to deploy this CO2 battery technology at multiple locations. Google aims to power all its operations with carbon-free energy around the clock by supporting projects that make 24/7 clean power affordable and accessible.

The Ripple Effect

Ireland generates substantial wind and solar power but has struggled to use it all effectively. This storage plant helps solve that problem while showing other countries how to make renewable energy more dependable.

The location choice matters too. By converting a former thermal power station, the project gives new purpose to industrial sites built for fossil fuel generation. The existing grid connections and infrastructure make it faster and cheaper to bring clean energy storage online.

If successful, the Ireland project becomes a blueprint for similar facilities across Europe and beyond. Countries worldwide face the same renewable energy storage challenge, and scalable solutions like this could accelerate the transition away from coal and gas.

This partnership between a tech giant and an energy innovator shows how different industries can collaborate to solve climate challenges while keeping electricity affordable and reliable for everyone.