Google has made a landmark deal with Kairos Power, a developer specializing in small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), to provide energy for its expanding artificial intelligence (AI) operations. This collaboration represents a pivotal moment in how major tech firms like Google are tackling the considerable energy needs of AI while prioritizing sustainable and carbon-neutral power sources.

With the initial reactor expected to be operational by 2030 and further installations planned until 2035, this agreement establishes nuclear energy as an essential element of the technology sector’s future energy framework.

Google’s move to source nuclear energy for its AI requirements highlights the growing pressure data centers, particularly those managing AI tasks, place on the power infrastructure. These facilities demand a stable and uninterrupted power supply, which intermittent renewable sources such as wind and solar may not reliably provide. Nuclear power offers a steady and carbon-free alternative with its round-the-clock operational capabilities.

As per the agreement, Google intends to procure up to 500 megawatts (MW) of electricity from various Kairos Power SMRs – a modest amount compared to conventional large-scale nuclear reactors, yet significant enough to substantially meet the company’s energy demands.

Clean Energy Acquisition

While financial specifics and reactor locations are yet to be revealed, this agreement is set to mark a significant milestone in the tech industry’s pursuit of cleaner energy options. Google has consistently been at the forefront of corporate renewable energy initiatives, having initiated corporate purchasing agreements for renewable energy over a decade ago. By becoming the first organization to sign an agreement for nuclear energy sourced from multiple small modular reactors, Google is again leading the charge in clean energy procurement innovation.

This collaboration arrives at a crucial time when AI is transforming various fields from scientific inquiry to business services, enhancing economic growth and boosting national competitiveness. Nonetheless, the energy demands of AI technologies are considerable, and the partnership with Kairos Power aims to meet these challenges sustainably. By securing a dependable, carbon-free energy source, Google seeks to ensure that AI’s growth does not compromise environmental integrity.

Nuclear energy offers clear benefits for the energy needs of the tech sector. Unlike solar or wind, which can be unpredictable and influenced by weather patterns, nuclear energy ensures a constant energy supply at all times. This makes it well-suited for data centers and AI applications that require substantial computational power around the clock. Furthermore, the development of next-gen nuclear technologies, like those being explored by Kairos Power, promises a safer, more efficient, and expedient deployment of nuclear energy. Their reactors are built to be smaller, modular, and inherently safer, thereby lowering the complexity and risks usually associated with traditional nuclear facilities.

Innovative Energy Solutions

Kairos Power’s reactors utilize a unique ceramic fuel that channels heat to generate electricity through a steam turbine. This configuration allows reactors to function at lower pressures, enhancing safety while decreasing operational costs. During its development phase, Kairos will execute various hardware demonstrations, leveraging learnings from each to boost cost-effectiveness and installation speeds. Google’s investment in these reactors not only supports its own data centers but also fosters a broader acceptance of nuclear energy within the U.S. and globally.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has emphasized the economic advantages of nuclear energy, noting its capacity to create high-paying, enduring jobs and positively affect local economies. The DOE estimates that reaching 200 gigawatts (GW) of advanced nuclear capacity by 2050 would necessitate an additional 375,000 workers in the United States. As such, Google’s agreement with Kairos Power could have extensive implications, aiding in the development of the workforce and infrastructure vital for scaling nuclear energy solutions.

In addition to nuclear energy, Google is broadening its clean energy portfolio. The company has recently ventured into enhanced geothermal energy and collaborated with American utilities to establish new clean transition rates. These initiatives are part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at achieving its ambitious objectives of 24/7 carbon-free energy and net-zero emissions. By integrating nuclear power with other renewable energy sources like solar and wind, Google aims to create a robust and sustainable energy framework to support its global operations.

As Google and Kairos Power advance this groundbreaking nuclear energy project, the tech sector may witness a broader implementation of advanced nuclear technologies, not just for data centers but across a range of energy-intensive sectors. This partnership signifies a notable progression toward the future of clean energy, where AI, nuclear power, and innovation converge to propel global advancement.