Google is closing a deal with Kairos Power to purchase nuclear power from modular reactors. In doing so, it aims to be the first company to actively use nuclear power as an energy source for data centers.
Google announced with a blog a new collaboration with Kairos Power. The tech giant has placed an order for about seven small modular reactors (SMRs). The contract is the first of its kind within the tech industry.
The deal should lead to the commissioning of the first SMR by 2030, with further rollout by 2035. The project will bring 500 MW of carbon-free energy to US power grids.
Energy Thirst
Google is investing in this technology to meet the growing demand for clean energy, driven in part by artificial intelligence. The company wants to guarantee carbon-free energy 24 hours a day, and sees nuclear power as a reliable source that can deliver on this.
Kairos Power’s SMR technology, with a compact and modular design, is more efficient and safer than traditional reactors. By banking on this technology, Google aims not only to provide clean energy to its own data centers, but also to contribute to broader energy transitions in the US. After all, the endless energy thirst of data centers puts high voltage on the power grid.
read also
Google bets on nuclear power for more sustainable data centers
Economic benefits
In addition to the environmental benefits, Google emphasizes the economic benefits of nuclear power. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, it offers the most economic impact of any energy source and creates thousands of jobs. Google and Kairos Power are working with local communities to support the rollout of this technology.
Kairos Power’s SMRs use a molten salt-based cooling system combined with an innovative type of ceramic fuel. This provides an efficient and safe way to generate power, with lower costs and faster deployment. Google plans to scale up this technology by procuring multiple reactors at once, lowering costs and accelerating deployment.
AI vs sustainability
Google is not the only major cloud provider looking at SMRs with interest. Oracle and Microsoft also already expressed intentions to procure nuclear power for their data centers. Google’s plans appear to be much more concrete.
Moreover, they also come nothing too soon: Google’s AI push seems difficult to reconcile with the company’s sustainability goals at the moment. Will nuclear power make for more sustainable AI?