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Google is investing in large-scale CO2 battery systems from Energy Dome to support its global data centers. The technology utilizes compressed carbon dioxide in a dome to generate electricity, offering longer and cheaper storage than lithium-ion batteries.

The first facility in Sardinia, Italy, can store 2,000 tons of CO2 and produce 200 megawatt-hours of electricity. Google cites advantages in standardization and scalability, requiring only five acres of land and a faster construction timeline than alternatives like pumped-hydro.

This shift aims to address the energy demands of Big Tech’s infrastructure and improve control over its power supply. The CO2 battery system can deliver power for over 10 hours at a projected 30% lower cost than lithium-ion batteries, with a lifespan nearly three times longer. This initiative reflects a broader trend in the tech industry to achieve energy sovereignty.