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Google Partners with Kairos Power to Harness Nuclear Energy for AI Needs

Tech giant Google has announced a groundbreaking agreement with nuclear startup Kairos Power to secure clean energy for its growing artificial intelligence (AI) workloads. The deal marks the world’s first corporate commitment to purchase power from multiple small modular reactors (SMRs), signaling a significant shift towards nuclear energy in the tech industry.

Under the agreement, Google aims to bring Kairos Power’s first SMR online by 2030, with additional reactors slated for deployment through 2035. The cumulative capacity of these reactors is expected to reach 500 megawatts, addressing the increasing energy demands of AI while promoting sustainable practices.

Michael Terrell, Google’s senior director for energy and climate, highlighted the potential of nuclear energy in achieving reliable, around-the-clock power to meet both clean energy goals and the substantial energy needs of AI.

Google’s move reflects a broader trend among technology companies exploring nuclear options to power energy-intensive AI operations. Earlier this year, Amazon invested in a nuclear-powered data center from Talen Energy, and Microsoft partnered with Constellation Energy to revive a unit of Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island plant.

According to Goldman Sachs, U.S. data center power consumption is projected to triple between 2023 and 2030, necessitating approximately 47 gigawatts of new generation capacity. As AI technologies evolve, securing a stable and clean energy supply becomes increasingly critical for tech companies.

SMRs, designed to be smaller and more cost-effective than traditional reactors, are built with modular components manufactured off-site. While they promise reduced construction costs and greater flexibility, critics argue that SMRs may face economic challenges due to potential inefficiencies and the longstanding issue of nuclear waste management.

Kairos Power will need to obtain comprehensive construction and design approvals from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and local authorities—a process that can span several years. However, recent developments indicate progress, as Kairos received a construction permit from the NRC late last year for a demonstration reactor in Tennessee.

By committing to an order book framework, Google is sending a strong market signal and investing in the acceleration of SMR development. Mike Laufer, CEO and co-founder of Kairos Power, expressed confidence in this strategy, noting that it enhances the likelihood of delivering projects on time and within budget.

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