Google partners with Kairos Power to power AI data centers using small nuclear reactors, marking a milestone in clean energy for tech expansion.
15th October 2024
Digital Worldwide News
Google has taken a bold step towards clean energy by signing a landmark deal to power its AI data centers with nuclear energy. This “world first” agreement involves ordering six to seven small nuclear reactors (SMRs) from California-based Kairos Power. The tech giant is turning to nuclear power to meet the immense energy demands driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI).
As the demand for generative AI and cloud computing grows, so do the electricity needs of tech companies like Google. Data centers, which form the backbone of these technologies, consume massive amounts of power. To ensure a reliable, low-carbon energy supply for these centers, Google is looking to nuclear energy.
The first of these small nuclear reactors is expected to be operational by 2030, with the remaining reactors coming online by 2035. The initiative marks a significant shift in how major corporations view nuclear power, seeing it as a sustainable solution to fuel their ever-growing technological needs.
Nuclear energy offers several advantages, particularly in providing a steady, round-the-clock power supply. Michael Terrell, Google's senior director for energy and climate, highlighted the importance of finding reliable and clean energy sources to support AI technologies. “This agreement helps accelerate a new technology to meet energy needs cleanly and reliably,” said Terrell.
By turning to nuclear power, Google is betting on a technology that could help reduce its carbon footprint while meeting the rising demand for data processing and storage in the AI era.
Founded in 2016, Kairos Power is at the forefront of SMR technology, and Google’s partnership with the company represents a strong vote of confidence in this innovative energy solution. Kairos is already working on a demonstration reactor in Tennessee, expected to be completed by 2027. This facility will serve as a model for the reactors that will eventually power Google’s data centers.
Mike Laufer, the CEO and co-founder of Kairos Power, expressed optimism about the partnership. “We’re confident that this novel approach is going to improve the prospects of our projects being delivered on cost and on schedule,” Laufer said.
Small modular reactors (SMRs) offer a more flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional nuclear power plants. These reactors are smaller in scale and can be built in factories, reducing the risk of cost overruns and delays that often plague large-scale nuclear projects.
While some critics argue that SMRs might struggle to match the economic efficiency of larger reactors, the technology is gaining attention due to its potential to deliver reliable, carbon-free power in a timely manner.
Google’s move comes on the heels of other tech companies exploring nuclear energy solutions. Just last month, Microsoft announced a deal to source energy from Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania, a nuclear facility that had been inactive for five years. Amazon also made waves earlier this year when it acquired a data center powered by nuclear energy from Talen Energy.
The increasing interest in nuclear power among tech giants underscores the urgency of finding sustainable solutions to the growing energy demands of AI, cloud computing, and other cutting-edge technologies.
While specific financial details and the locations of the future reactors remain undisclosed, it is known that Google will purchase 500 megawatts of power from Kairos Power once the reactors are up and running. This deal is still subject to regulatory approvals, but if all goes as planned, it could pave the way for broader adoption of SMR technology across industries.
With AI driving significant advances in everything from scientific research to business services, Google is keen on ensuring that the energy supporting these innovations is both clean and reliable. This deal represents not only a vote of confidence in SMR technology but also Google’s commitment to being a leader in the transition to low-carbon energy solutions.
As AI continues to shape the future, the energy required to power its growth is becoming a critical factor. Google’s decision to tap into nuclear power through this groundbreaking partnership with Kairos Power could help unlock the full potential of AI technologies, supporting national competitiveness and economic growth while staying committed to sustainability.
Terrell emphasized the importance of this energy shift, stating, “The grid needs new electricity sources to support AI technologies that are powering major scientific advances.” With nuclear power, Google is positioning itself at the forefront of this energy revolution, ensuring that it can meet the energy demands of the future without compromising on environmental goals.