In a landmark deal signed on Monday, Google partnered with startup Kairos Power to construct seven small nuclear reactors, each capable of generating 500 megawatts of power. The first reactor is expected to be operational by 2030, with the remaining reactors to follow in subsequent years. This collaboration with Kairos Power will fulfilled Google’s globally search for sustainable electricity sources to fuel the energy-intensive data centers that support AI advancements.
Michael Terrell, Google’s senior director of energy and climate, emphasized the importance of this initiative in a blog post: “The grid needs new electricity sources to support AI technologies that are powering major scientific advances, improving services for businesses and customers, and driving national competitiveness and economic growth. This agreement helps accelerate a new technology to meet energy needs cleanly and reliably, and unlock the full potential of AI for everyone.”
Tech companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are rekindling interest in nuclear energy as they seek reliable power sources for their data centers. Recently, Microsoft signed a deal with Constellation Energy to restore a decommissioned nuclear reactor at Three Mile Island, Pennsylvania, securing power for the next 20 years. Similarly, Amazon inked an agreement with Talen Energy to acquire a data center campus in Pennsylvania that draws energy from a nearby nuclear plant.
Data centers are estimated to consume about 3 percent of the world’s electricity, a figure expected to rise as AI continues to develop. Small modular reactors (SMRs) are seen as a promising solution, offering a more cost-effective and quicker alternative to traditional large-scale nuclear reactors. However, the technology is still emerging, with only three SMRs currently operational worldwide—in Russia, China, and India.
Mike Laufer, CEO of Kairos Power, expressed optimism about the partnership: “By coming alongside in the development phase, Google is more than just a customer. They are a partner who deeply understands our innovative approach and the potential it can deliver.”
Founded in 2016 with support from the United States Department of Energy, Kairos Power aims to accelerate the development of “innovative nuclear technology that has the potential to transform the energy landscape in the United States and internationally.”
As tech giants continue to push the boundaries of AI, their investments in cutting-edge energy solutions like SMRs underscore the critical intersection of technology and sustainable development. Google‘s deal with Kairos Power marks a significant step towards meeting the energy demands of the future, promising a cleaner, more efficient power source for AI advancements.