In a step towards expanding clean energy storage solutions, Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL) has entered into a long-term partnership with Energy Dome, an energy storage startup based in Milan. This collaboration, which also includes a strategic investment from Google, focuses on deploying Energy Dome’s long-term energy storage solutions globally. The partnership seeks to tackle the challenge of achieving continuous use of 24/7 clean energy, a crucial component in the transition to sustainable power. This move highlights Google’s dedication to investing in technologies that support their ambitious environmental goals and help propel the clean energy transformation globally.
Previously, Google announced its intention to run its operations entirely on carbon-free energy by 2030, including matching its electricity demand with carbon-free energy supply every hour of the day. This new agreement with Energy Dome marks Google’s first commercial long-duration energy storage deal. It forms a part of a broader initiative by the tech giant to incorporate various technologies into their operations to meet their carbon-free goals.
How Does Energy Dome’s Technology Work?
Energy Dome’s CO2 Battery technology addresses a major challenge in energy storage by using thermodynamic processes to store energy. The system leverages CO2 as an energy storage fluid, which can be stored at ambient temperature and then used to generate electricity by expanding and turning turbines. This technology can deliver energy continuously for up to 24 hours, surpassing the capabilities of lithium-ion batteries that are typically used for shorter durations.
What Are the Strategic Implications for Google?
Google’s partnership with Energy Dome represents a strategic step in scaling up the technology necessary for its carbon-free goals. The tech giant plans to support multiple commercial deployments of Energy Dome’s technology globally, focusing on key geographical areas including Europe, America, and the Asia-Pacific region. Through this initiative, Google hopes not only to enhance its operational sustainability but also to accelerate the wider adoption of renewable energy solutions.
Claudio Spadacini, Founder and CEO of Energy Dome, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating,
“The programmatic and strategic deployment of our technology at scale to help Google reach carbon-free energy represents the core of our industry-first agreement. We’re proving that a 24/7 cost-effective and carbon-free energy supply is achievable with the right technology and partnership model.”
This agreement further secures a pipeline of sites and projects that are in development and contracting stages across the regions of interest.
Additionally, Maud Texier, Director of EMEA Energy at Google, noted,
“Google is committed to powering our operations with clean energy, and Energy Dome’s technologically proven and scalable long-duration energy storage solution can help us unlock rapid progress. But this isn’t just about Google. By helping to scale this first-of-a-kind LDES technology, we hope to help communities everywhere gain greater access to reliable, affordable electricity and support grid resilience as we integrate more renewable energy sources.”
These statements elucidate the broader aspirations tied to the deployment of LDES technology, showcasing a commitment to not just financial growth but also community and environmental benefits.
Overall, this partnership signifies a key movement towards optimizing and deploying long-term energy storage solutions. The focus on strategic deployment presents an opportunity for rapid commercialization. Google’s choice to invest in Energy Dome underlines the importance of scalable, long-duration energy storage to meet future clean energy demands. Being able to store energy for longer periods allows technology like the CO2 Battery to play a crucial role in transitioning towards a more sustainable energy grid, not only providing enhancements for Google but also setting a precedent for industry-wide adoption.
