Google Goes Nuclear: The Future of Energy for Data Centers
Google has signed the world’s first corporate agreement to purchase nuclear energy from several small modular reactors (SMRs) developed by Kairos Power.
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Google has signed the world’s first corporate agreement to purchase nuclear energy from several small modular reactors (SMRs) developed by Kairos Power.
The first reactor is scheduled to be operational by 2030.
The initial phase of work is intended to bring Kairos Power’s first SMR online quickly and safely by 2030, followed by additional reactor deployments through 2035,
the company announced.
This deal will provide Google’s data centers with an additional 500 MW of power, not only meeting the growing energy demands of AI but also improving the balance of clean, carbon-free energy.
How Kairos Power’s SMRs Work
SMRs are small nuclear reactors capable of generating between 10 MW and several hundred MW of electricity. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), these systems require refueling every 3–7 years, unlike traditional nuclear plants, which need annual refueling. Some SMRs can even operate for up to 30 years without refueling.
Kairos Power uses molten salt cooling systems and ceramic pebble fuel to transfer heat to steam turbines, which generate electricity. This design allows SMRs to operate at lower pressure, resulting in a simpler and more cost-effective model.
Before launching its first commercial SMR, Kairos Power will run several demonstration tests of these innovative reactors.
How Kairos Power’s Reactor Works Source: kairospower.com
Why Google Needs Nuclear Power
The tech industry, with its ever-growing demand for data centers, is turning to SMRs to meet the skyrocketing energy needs of artificial intelligence (AI).
AI’s power consumption increases by roughly 30% every year. According to experts from the World Economic Forum, global AI energy consumption could surpass that of Iceland by 2028.
Environmental activists fear that this trend could lead data centers to rely even more on fossil fuels.
You might also like: Why AI Could Be the Savior of U.S. Nuclear Power
The concept of using SMRs to power large data centers first gained traction in the tech industry in 2022. While the idea isn’t new—the U.S. Navy has been using nuclear mini-reactors on ships since the mid-20th century.
However, commercial SMR projects are still under development.
The IAEA believes that expanding the use of both small and large nuclear power plants will contribute to a carbon-free future, a vision that tech giants like Google are embracing.
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