Google has announced a significant partnership with the startup Kairos Power to harness nuclear energy from small modular reactors (SMRs) by 2030. This initiative marks Google’s inaugural foray into nuclear power, driven by the need for sustainable energy solutions to meet the increasing demands of its AI-driven data centers.
As AI technology continues to expand, Google emphasizes the critical need for zero-carbon energy sources. The agreement, which is groundbreaking in nature, involves Google securing power from multiple SMRs, potentially providing 500 megawatts of power to the U.S. grid between 2030 and 2035. Google aims to approach this project as an “order book” of reactors, a strategy it believes will reduce costs and expedite the commercialization of nuclear technology.
Michael Terrell, Google’s senior director for energy and climate, stated that this partnership would propel new technologies forward, offering reliable and clean energy to support AI’s full potential. This deal adds to Google’s impressive portfolio of renewable energy agreements, which already exceed 14 gigawatts of capacity.
However, the SMR industry faces challenges, including financial hurdles and stringent regulatory requirements for new reactor construction and operation. Despite these obstacles, the collaboration between Google and Kairos Power could pave the way for future nuclear ventures, as tech giants increasingly turn to nuclear energy to power their AI ambitions sustainably. This partnership represents a strategic move in Google’s pursuit of clean energy and sustainable growth.