Google Partners with Italy’s Energy Dome to Boost Zero-Emission Energy Storage

Tech giant Google has entered into a commercial agreement and made a strategic investment in Italian startup Energy Dome, marking its first direct venture into long-duration energy storage. The move aligns with Google’s global ambition to operate entirely on carbon-free energy, 24/7, by 2030.

Energy Dome, based in Milan, has developed a pioneering CO₂-based battery system capable of storing energy for eight to twenty-four hours. The technology uses carbon dioxide to store and release energy through a process of compression and liquefaction, offering a reliable and scalable solution for managing intermittent renewable power. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, Energy Dome’s system avoids critical materials such as lithium and copper, instead using more abundant resources like steel, CO₂, and water — making it both cost-effective and sustainable.

The partnership will see the development of a 20-megawatt commercial-scale facility in Sardinia, expected to be fully operational by the end of 2024. This plant could supply clean electricity to approximately 13,000 to 15,000 homes, demonstrating the viability of the CO₂ battery for widespread deployment.

Google’s investment is part of a broader push to accelerate innovative clean energy solutions worldwide. Other notable investors in Energy Dome include Oman’s sovereign wealth fund and Dutch energy firm Vopak. The deal also supports the European Union’s efforts to strengthen energy security and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.

This is Google’s first commercial deployment of long-duration energy storage and represents a critical step in its commitment to sustainable energy infrastructure. By supporting Energy Dome’s breakthrough technology, Google aims to help bridge the gap between renewable energy generation and reliable power supply, reinforcing its role as a leader in climate-conscious innovation.