A graphic design image of the previously approved energy dome project, involving Google, in the Rhode area.

Bid to bring Google domes power in Rhode to grid

Tadhg Carey

Published: Fri 16 Oct 2026, 5:42 PM

Planning permission is being sought for a new electricity substation in Rhode to help deliver a major energy storage project involving internet giant Google.

The latest planning application by Rhode LDES represents the “enabling grid infrastructure” to deliver the already-approved long duration energy storage development using carbon dioxide (CO2) based energy dome technology.

The energy dome project involves two giant structures, each 500m x 120m x 34m high. That project is being developed by Google and Italian CO2 battery developer Energy Dome in partnership with local company Lumcloon Energy.

Now, Rhode LDES, the company which secured planning permission for the huge dome project, is seeking permission for a new substation in the townlands of Clonin and Coolcor, approximately 1 kilometre north/north-west of Rhode.

It is effectively an extension of the existing Derryiron 110kV substation.

The proposed development will be located on brownfield lands bounded directly to the east by Rhode Green Energy Park. The planning application includes an electrical connection between the Rhode LDES development and the proposed substation

Long duration energy storage integrates high volumes of variable renewable generation into the electricity system. Storage facilities absorb electricity at times of surplus renewable output and export it at times of system need.

Earlier this year, Offaly County Council hailed Google's involvement in the energy project as "a monumental step" for the county.

Chief Executive Eoghan Ryan said: "We are thrilled that Google and Energy Dome have chosen Rhode Green Energy Park to pioneer this critical long-duration energy storage solution."

Among other elements, the new planning application includes an EirGrid compound comprising control building, an Independent Power Producer (IPP) compound, external grid transformer, an underground electrical connection to the energy storage development, underground 110kV electrical connections from the proposed substation to the existing Derryiron 110kV transmission node and to underground transmission cable in the public road and a new access road connecting to the green energy park road network,

The application was lodged with Offaly County Council on October 8 and a decision is expected by December 2.