Google has partnered with nuclear energy startup Kairos Power to secure 500 megawatts of 24/7 carbon-free energy from seven small modular reactors (SMRs). The agreement targets an initial SMR delivery in 2030, with full implementation by 2035. This investment aims to power Google’s growing AI infrastructure and contribute to its net-zero energy goals.
According to Michael Terrell, Google’s Senior Director of Energy and Climate, the increasing demand for electricity to support AI necessitates new energy sources. This partnership with Kairos Power will help Google reliably meet this demand while driving scientific advancements, improving services, and fostering economic growth. Terrell highlighted the agreement’s potential to accelerate clean energy adoption and unlock the full capabilities of AI.
Google emphasizes that nuclear energy will complement its existing renewable energy investments in solar and wind power, furthering its commitment to sustainability. The company also acknowledges the economic benefits of nuclear energy, referencing a U.S. Department of Energy estimate that expanding nuclear capacity to 200 gigawatts by 2050 could create 375,000 new jobs.
Tech Giants Embrace Nuclear Energy for AI Power
Google isn’t the only tech giant exploring nuclear energy to power its AI initiatives. Amazon Web Services acquired a 960-megawatt data center campus from Talen Energy for $650 million in March. Microsoft announced its collaboration to restart Unit 1 at Three Mile Island in New York to power its AI data centers.
Similarly, Oracle is developing a 1-gigawatt data center powered by three small nuclear reactors. CEO Larry Ellison acknowledged the growing need for reliable, high-capacity power solutions for data centers.
The increasing demand for clean energy solutions for AI infrastructure has also fueled competition among SMR manufacturers. Westinghouse, for instance, is developing a micro reactor capable of operating continuously for five years without refueling. Given the substantial energy and cooling requirements of advanced AI models, these advancements are crucial for the continued development and deployment of AI technologies.
Conclusion: A Nuclear Future for AI?
Google’s investment in Kairos Power’s SMRs signals a growing trend among tech companies to embrace nuclear energy as a viable solution for powering AI infrastructure. This move addresses the increasing energy demands of AI while promoting clean energy adoption and economic growth. The success of these initiatives and the advancements in SMR technology will be critical in shaping the future of AI and its impact on the energy landscape.
