Home Google signs nuclear energy deal to power AI data centres

Google signs nuclear energy deal to power AI data centres

TLDR

  • Google signed the first corporate deal to buy nuclear energy from small modular reactors (SMRs).
  • The reactors will be developed by Kairos Power, with deployment by 2030 for Google’s data centers.
  • Google aims to meet carbon-free energy goals, supporting AI and economic growth with clean power.

The world’s first corporate agreement to purchase nuclear energy from small modular reactors has been signed by Google.

The small modular reactors (SMR) will be developed by California-based Kairos Power. The company will develop, construct, and operate a series of advanced reactor plants and sell energy, ancillary services, and environmental attributes to the technology giant.

The plants will be sited in “relevant service territories to supply clean electricity to Google data centers, with the first deployment by 2030 to support Google’s 24/7 carbon-free energy and net zero goals.”

The deal means up to 500 MW of new 24/7 carbon-free power will be provided to U.S. electricity grids, in an aim to help communities benefit from nuclear power.

The agreement has been signed as part of Google’s efforts to develop and commercialize a portfolio of advanced clean electricity technologies to power their global data centers and offices. The team says this approach will “complement our use of variable renewables…”

Why Google has turned to nuclear to power AI

In the press release announcing the news on Monda (Oct, 14), Google says the agreement is important for two reasons.

First, they cite that 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.”

They also say the nuclear option offers a “clean, round-the-clock power source that can help us reliably meet electricity demands with carbon-free energy every hour of every day.”

With advanced nuclear capacity in the U.S, there’s a belief that this will create high-paying, long-term jobs and provide direct economic benefits to a range of communities.

“This landmark announcement will accelerate the transition to clean energy as Google and Kairos Power look to add 500 MW of new 24/7 carbon-free power to U.S. electricity grids,” said Michael Terrell, Google Senior Director of Energy and Climate, in Kairos Power press release.

“This agreement is a key part of our effort to commercialize and scale the advanced energy technologies we need to reach our net zero and 24/7 carbon-free energy goals and ensure that more communities benefit from clean and affordable power in the future.”

Featured Image: AI-generated via Ideogram

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Sophie Atkinson
Tech Journalist

Sophie Atkinson is a UK-based journalist and content writer, as well as a founder of a content agency which focuses on storytelling through social media marketing. She kicked off her career with a Print Futures Award which champions young talent working in print, paper and publishing. Heading straight into a regional newsroom, after graduating with a BA (Hons) degree in Journalism, Sophie started by working for Reach PLC. Now, with five years experience in journalism and many more in content marketing, Sophie works as a freelance writer and marketer. Her areas of specialty span a wide range, including technology, business,…

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