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After Microsoft, Google turns to nuclear power to run its AI data centres

Google has announced a major deal to harness nuclear energy. Partnering with startup Kairos Power, Google will source energy from small modular reactors (SMRs) in the US by 2030. This marks Google’s first venture into nuclear power, as the tech giant seeks sustainable energy solutions to fuel the growing demand from its AI-driven data centers.

With AI technology’s ever-increasing energy needs, Google’s move underscores the importance of finding zero-carbon energy sources. The agreement is the first of its kind, with Google securing power from multiple SMRs, a move that could deliver 500 megawatts of power to US grids between 2030 and 2035. Unlike traditional energy deals, Google is approaching this as an “order book” of reactors, which it argues will reduce costs and accelerate the commercialization of nuclear technology.

Michael Terrell, Google’s senior director for energy and climate, highlighted that this partnership will help push new technologies forward, providing reliable, clean energy while unlocking AI’s full potential. This deal adds to Google’s existing renewable energy agreements, which total over 14 gigawatts of capacity.

Challenges ahead for SMR technology
The SMR industry has yet to commercialize or scale despite the excitement fully. Startups in the sector have faced financial challenges, most notably the collapse of a project in Idaho last year. Additionally, the regulatory hurdles for new reactors remain high, with federal approvals for construction and operation still required.

This move by Google is part of a growing trend among tech companies turning to nuclear energy. Tech giants are under increasing pressure to power their AI ambitions without worsening climate change. Microsoft recently secured a 20-year agreement for 835 megawatts from a reactor set to restart at Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island by 2028. Similarly, Amazon has inked a deal with Talen Energy to eventually power its AWS data center with nuclear energy from an existing Pennsylvania plant.

Kairos Power’s affordable SMRs
Based in California and backed by the US Department of Energy, Kairos Power is already constructing a demonstration reactor in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The startup uses a unique “pebble” fuel system combined with molten salt coolant, a process hailed as both safe and cost-effective. Kairos envisions its commercial-scale SMRs producing 75 megawatts each—smaller than traditional reactors but more accessible to build and operate.

While Google and Kairos have not disclosed specific financial details, this partnership could signal the beginning of more nuclear ventures for Google, as Terrell did not rule out further exploration into atomic energy.

AI’s future is unclear.
As AI continues to surge, tech companies like Google increasingly consider nuclear energy a sustainable solution to meet their massive power needs. Google’s nuclear move reflects a broader industry trend toward clean energy, especially as pressure mounts to limit the environmental impact of AI technologies. Atomic energy could play a critical role in this shift, ensuring the growth of AI is not hindered by carbon emissions.

The partnership with Kairos Power represents a strategic step toward achieving Google’s clean energy goals while maintaining AI’s momentum. Terrell noted that nuclear energy will support Google’s clean growth and sustainably advance AI.

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