Google’s commitment to clean energy and its pursuit of AI advancements have converged in a groundbreaking partnership with nuclear energy startup Kairos Power. The tech giant announced on Tuesday that it has signed a deal to purchase 500 megawatts of “new 24/7 carbon-free power” from seven of Kairos Power’s small modular reactors (SMRs). This move signifies a significant shift in Google’s energy strategy, highlighting the growing interest in nuclear energy as a reliable and sustainable power source for the tech industry.
The agreement marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration, with the first SMR expected to deliver energy in 2030, and a full rollout anticipated by 2035. Google’s senior director of Energy and Climate, Michael Terrell, emphasized the need for new electricity sources to support the growing demands of AI technologies. “The grid needs new electricity sources to support AI technologies that are powering major scientific advances, improving services for businesses and customers, and driving national competitiveness and economic growth,” Terrell stated in a Google blog post. He further highlighted that this partnership will “accelerate a new technology to meet energy needs cleanly and reliably, and unlock the full potential of AI for everyone.”
This move aligns with Google’s broader sustainability goals, complementing its existing investments in solar and wind power. The adoption of nuclear power provides a consistent and reliable source of energy, crucial for supporting the energy-intensive operations of AI data centers. Additionally, Terrell points out the economic benefits of nuclear energy, citing a U.S. Department of Energy estimate that building out to 200 gigawatts of capacity by 2050 will create an additional 375,000 jobs.
Interestingly, Google is not alone in its embrace of nuclear energy. Other tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Oracle have also recognized its potential to power their AI operations. In March, Amazon Web Services acquired a 960-megawatt data center campus from Talen Energy for a significant investment. In September, Microsoft announced its plans to restart Unit 1 at New York’s Three Mile Island to power its AI data centers, while Oracle unveiled plans for a 1-gigawatt data center powered by three small nuclear reactors. This surge in interest from tech companies demonstrates the growing recognition of nuclear energy’s role in meeting the energy demands of the future.
The rise of small modular reactors (SMRs) is further fueling this trend. These smaller, more efficient reactors offer a compelling alternative to traditional nuclear power plants. Kairos Power is not the only company developing SMRs; Westinghouse, for example, is currently testing a micro reactor capable of operating 24/7 for five years without refueling. This rapid advancement in nuclear technology underscores its potential to meet the increasing energy demands of AI and other computing-intensive industries.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change and the exponential growth of AI, the future of energy is taking center stage. Google’s partnership with Kairos Power represents a significant milestone in this evolving landscape, highlighting the potential of nuclear energy to power the next generation of computing and technological advancements. The widespread adoption of nuclear technology by tech giants could have profound implications for the energy sector, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future for technology.