In an exciting move for the tech industry, Google has just made history by signing the world’s first corporate agreement to buy power from multiple small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). This groundbreaking deal with Kairos Power is designed to help meet the surging electricity demand fuelled by artificial intelligence (AI) as tech giants scramble for zero-carbon energy solutions.
On October 14, Google announced that it will be purchasing 500 megawatts of power from six to seven SMRs that Kairos plans to bring online by 2030, with additional deployments expected by 2035. This agreement reflects a significant shift towards sustainable energy sources, as traditional nuclear plants typically generate much more power than these smaller counterparts.
Michael Terrell, Google’s senior director for energy and climate, emphasised the importance of this initiative: “We believe that nuclear energy has a critical role to play in supporting our clean growth and helping to deliver on the progress of AI.” By adopting a so-called "order book" framework, Google is signalling a long-term commitment to the SMR market, which could help accelerate the technology’s development and commercialization.
As AI applications expand, so does the need for energy. Recent estimates suggest that U.S. data centres' power consumption will triple between 2023 and 2030, necessitating around 47 gigawatts of new generation capacity. This is where innovative energy solutions like small modular reactors come into play. By generating clean and reliable energy around the clock, SMRs can help tech companies like Google meet their growing energy demands sustainably.
Read More: AI's Power Demand: Solutions for a Greener Future
Google isn’t the only tech giant exploring nuclear energy. Earlier this year, Amazon purchased a nuclear-powered data centre from Talen Energy, and Microsoft has made a deal to revive a unit of the infamous Three Mile Island plant in Pennsylvania. As concerns about climate change escalate, many technology firms are turning to nuclear power to mitigate their environmental impact.
While the deal marks a significant step forward, there are challenges ahead. Kairos Power still needs to obtain full permitting from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for its reactors. The company has already secured a construction permit for a demonstration reactor in Tennessee, but the path to widespread commercial deployment remains complex.
Critics of SMRs argue that they might not achieve the economy of scale necessary to be cost-effective compared to larger reactors. Additionally, there are ongoing concerns about the long-lasting nuclear waste produced by these facilities, for which a final disposal solution has yet to be established.
Despite these hurdles, Google’s partnership with Kairos Power represents a promising leap towards a more sustainable energy future for AI and beyond. By investing in innovative nuclear technology, Google is not just addressing its energy needs but also paving the way for cleaner, more responsible growth in the tech sector.
Read More: How Nuclear Energy Can Help Meet Growing Data Center Demands
The commitment to nuclear energy signifies a pivotal moment in the tech industry’s approach to sustainability. As companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft continue to explore nuclear options, we can expect to see significant advancements in clean energy solutions that support our digital future. The collaboration between Google and Kairos Power could serve as a model for others in the industry, demonstrating that a cleaner, more reliable energy source is not just a dream, but an achievable reality.
By clicking "Accept", you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage and assist in improving your experience.
