In a groundbreaking move, tech giant Google has announced a partnership with Kairos Power, a small modular reactor (SMR) developer, to address the surging power demands of its data centers. This collaboration marks a significant shift towards nuclear energy in the tech industry's pursuit of clean and reliable power sources.
A New Era of Nuclear Power
Google plans to purchase electricity from a fleet of SMRs developed by Kairos Power. This strategic decision aims to accelerate the commercialization of nuclear technology while providing a stable, emissions-free energy source for the company's expanding operations.
Michael Terrell, Google's senior director for energy and climate, emphasized the critical role of nuclear energy in supporting clean growth and advancing AI technologies. He stated, "The grid needs these kinds of clean, reliable sources of energy that can support the build out of these technologies."
Innovative Technology
Kairos Power, founded in 2016 and backed by the Department of Energy, is at the forefront of SMR development. Unlike traditional nuclear reactors that use water as a coolant, Kairos Power's innovative design utilizes molten fluoride salt. Construction of their Hermes Low-Power Demonstration Reactor in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, began in July.
Timeline and Capacity
Google anticipates the first reactor to be operational by 2030, with additional reactors coming online through 2035. The project is expected to add 500 megawatts of clean energy to the grid, contributing significantly to Google's ambitious emissions-reduction targets.
Tech Industry's Nuclear Shift
This partnership highlights a growing trend in the tech industry, as companies seek reliable, 24/7 power sources for their data centers. Nuclear power offers a unique solution as the only current emissions-free baseload power option.
Addressing Environmental Concerns
Google's decision comes in response to its recent disclosure of a nearly 50% increase in emissions since 2019, largely due to increased data center power consumption. The company views this nuclear partnership as a promising bet to deliver substantial benefits to communities and power grids worldwide.
As the tech industry continues to grapple with rising energy demands and environmental responsibilities, Google's bold step into nuclear power may set a new precedent for sustainable energy solutions in the digital age.