Google has signed an agreement to harness small nuclear reactors to power its AI-driven data centers, marking a significant step toward sustainable energy solutions for the tech industry. The deal with Kairos Power aims to bring the first reactor online within this decade, with additional reactors planned by 2035. While the financial details and locations of the reactors were not disclosed, the partnership highlights the increasing reliance on nuclear energy by tech giants to meet their growing energy needs.
AI data centers require vast amounts of electricity for operation and cooling, pushing technology firms like Google to explore nuclear energy, which provides a reliable, carbon-free power source. Michael Terrell, Google’s senior director for energy and climate, emphasized the importance of clean, dependable energy in supporting the advancement of AI technologies. The collaboration with Kairos Power aims to accelerate the commercialization of advanced nuclear reactors, which are critical for decarbonizing power grids, according to Jeff Olson, a Kairos executive.
Kairos Power, known for its smaller nuclear reactors that use molten fluoride salt as a coolant, is working on a demonstration reactor in Tennessee. The company received the first US permit in 50 years to develop a new type of nuclear reactor. Before Google can proceed, the plans must be approved by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission and local authorities.
The tech industry’s shift towards nuclear power reflects a broader effort to reduce emissions while addressing rising energy demands. Data centers are expected to more than double their energy consumption by 2030, as reported by Goldman Sachs. AI centers, in particular, require specialized hardware that consumes large amounts of electricity and generates substantial heat, making nuclear energy an attractive solution for powering these facilities.
Other tech giants are also exploring nuclear power. Last month, Microsoft secured a deal to restart operations at the Three Mile Island energy plant, while Amazon announced plans to purchase a nuclear-powered data center in Pennsylvania earlier this year. This growing trend coincides with global efforts to expand nuclear energy capacity as part of the shift away from fossil fuels, as highlighted at the United Nations Climate Change Conference.
Despite the potential benefits, nuclear energy still faces criticism due to the risks associated with radioactive waste and the possibility of accidents. However, the push for nuclear solutions in the tech sector is seen as a critical step in achieving long-term energy sustainability.
