Google is collaborating with Kairos Power on a project to satisfy increasing power needs and fuel AI-driven facilities like its data centers.
This groundbreaking agreement marks a significant shift towards sustainable energy solutions as the tech giant aims to reduce its carbon footprint and meet its ambitious climate goals while promoting a cleaner environment.
Clean energy from small modular reactors
The collaboration involves the construction of seven compact nuclear reactors fueled by molten fluoride salt cooling systems, offering a stable and emission-free energy solution to power Google’s data center infrastructure.
We feel like nuclear can play an important role in helping to meet our demand…cleanly in a way that’s more around the clock
Michael Terrell, Google’s senior director for energy and climate
Smaller-scale reactors are being developed for faster construction and higher efficiency than traditional nuclear power plants. These reactors will have an output of approximately 500 megawatts.
To demonstrate its dedication to sustainable energy, Google’s agreement to buy electricity is modeled after contracts with renewable energy companies that use wind and sunlight as their sources.
By 2030-35, Kairos Power plans to roll out its reactors, contributing to a substantial increase in US grid capacity.
Advanced nuclear technology gains ground
With its simplified structure and upgraded security protocols, the latest generation of nuclear power plants is easier to set up and manage.
Aligned with the broader transformation in the tech sector, the search engine leader’s partnership with Kairos Power reflects an initiative to integrate nuclear power into strategies designed to address the rising energy demands of the world’s expanding population.
Microsoft and Amazon have also invested in nuclear power solutions for their data centers, highlighting the potential of this clean energy source.
As part of our commitment to clean energy, we’re signing the world’s first corporate agreement to purchase nuclear energy from multiple small modular reactors to be developed by @KairosPower. Learn more → https://t.co/K9nv7J9L4Q pic.twitter.com/GNuLs1dNA5
— Google (@Google) October 14, 2024
As Google joins forces with Kairos Power, the advancement of high-tech nuclear technology is expected to speed up, leading to decreased costs and a more dependable schedule for its entry into the market.
Given the growing energy consumption of artificial intelligence systems, nuclear power is emerging as a more viable solution to meet global demand.