TLDR:
- Google partners with Kairos Power to build 7 small nuclear reactors by 2035
- First reactor expected online by 2030, providing 500 MW total for AI technologies
- Google’s move follows Microsoft’s recent nuclear power deal for AI data centers
- Kairos uses molten salt cooling system in smaller, lower-pressure reactors
- Growing data center power demand driving tech companies towards nuclear energy
Google has announced a partnership with nuclear energy startup Kairos Power. The agreement, the first of its kind in the corporate world, will see the construction of seven small modular reactors (SMRs) in the United States, with the initial plant expected to be operational by 2030.
The deal aims to provide Google with a total of 500 megawatts of power, equivalent to the energy needs of a mid-sized city, specifically dedicated to fueling the company’s AI technologies.
This substantial power commitment underscores the growing energy demands of AI systems and data centers, which have been projected to strain the U.S. power grid in coming years.
Kairos Power’s innovative approach to nuclear energy involves the use of a molten salt cooling system, which operates at lower pressures compared to traditional nuclear reactors.
This technology is similar to the one being implemented in a demonstration reactor at Abilene Christian University. The company has already broken ground on an unpowered demonstration reactor in Tennessee earlier this year.
While the exact locations for the Google-Kairos reactors have not been disclosed, the project timeline indicates that all seven units should be deployed by 2035.
This aggressive schedule reflects the urgency with which tech giants are seeking to secure reliable, carbon-free energy sources for their expanding AI operations.
Google’s decision follows a trend in the tech industry, with other major players also turning to nuclear power.
Recently, Microsoft announced a partnership with Constellation Energy to revive operations at the Three Mile Island nuclear plant to power its AI data centers. These moves come as experts warn of the potential strain on power grids due to the rapid growth of data centers.
According to recent forecasts, data center power demand in North America is expected to nearly double in the next nine years. Grid Strategies projects a growth rate of 4.7%, up from 2.6% just a year ago, with peak demand potentially increasing by 38 gigawatts – enough to power 12.7 million homes.
The agreement between Google and Kairos Power represents a significant step in the tech industry’s efforts to address its growing energy needs while also pursuing clean energy goals. Google emphasized the importance of nuclear solutions as a round-the-clock power source that can help meet electricity demands with carbon-free energy.
However, the project faces several challenges before becoming a reality. Kairos Power will need to secure full construction and design permitting from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), as well as obtain local agency approvals. This process can be lengthy, often taking several years to complete.
Proponents of SMRs argue that their smaller size and modular construction approach could lead to reduced costs and faster deployment compared to traditional large-scale nuclear plants. Critics, however, raise concerns about the potential high costs of SMRs and the ongoing issue of nuclear waste management.
Despite these challenges, Google’s commitment to this “order book framework” with Kairos is designed to send a strong demand signal to the market and accelerate the development of SMRs. Mike Laufer, CEO and co-founder of Kairos, expressed confidence that this approach would improve the chances of delivering projects on schedule and within budget.
