Janice R. Andrews
Google has entered a groundbreaking agreement with nuclear startup Kairos Power to fuel its AI data centers. The deal, revealed on Monday, involves constructing seven small modular reactors (SMRs) across the United States, with the goal of generating 500 megawatts of nuclear energy by 2035. The initial reactor is slated to begin operations by 2030.
This collaboration represents the first corporate purchase of nuclear power from SMRs, which offer a more compact and cost-efficient alternative to conventional reactors. SMRs feature factory-manufactured components, reducing construction expenses and accelerating deployment timelines.
The project’s success depends on obtaining approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for both reactor design and construction permits. Kairos Power has already received authorization for a demonstration reactor in Tennessee, expected to be operational by 2027. The company also operates a development facility in Albuquerque, NM, where it tests systems and components without nuclear material.
While the financial details remain confidential, Google emphasized that the agreement’s structure will help minimize costs and expedite nuclear power delivery. Michael Terrell, Google’s senior director for energy and climate, stressed the importance of scaling advanced technologies to benefit communities and accelerate nuclear energy adoption.
This partnership aligns with a growing trend among tech giants seeking nuclear energy solutions to meet the rising power demands of AI data centers. For instance, Microsoft recently partnered with Constellation Energy to reactivate a unit at the Three Mile Island plant, while Amazon acquired a nuclear-powered data center from Talen Energy earlier this year.
As artificial intelligence continues to advance, reliable and sustainable energy sources like nuclear power are becoming increasingly vital for technology companies.
