Google will also rely on nuclear power in the future

Like Microsoft, Google is relying on nuclear technology to meet the increasing energy needs of its AI data centers. A partnership with Kairos Power aims to bring small modular reactors online by 2030, delivering 500 megawatts of clean electricity.

Google’s AI hunger drives nuclear innovation

Google is taking new and, in some ways, old ways to meet the exploding energy needs of its AI systems. The company has announced a partnership with the nuclear technology startup Kairos Power. The goal is to put the first small modular reactors (SMRs) into operation by 2030 and thus supply Google’s data centers with “clean” energy.

The agreement stipulates that Google will purchase a total of 500 megawatts of power from six to seven SMRs. These reactors are significantly smaller than conventional nuclear power plants and promise more flexible and cost-effective energy production. Kairos Power relies on an innovative technology: Instead of water, melted fluoride salt is used as a coolant, which should enable safer and more efficient operation – at least that’s the PR interpretation of the whole thing. Google unveils nuclear partnership with Kairos Power

How Reuters citing one Blog post reported by Google, this is the first corporate agreement in the world to purchase power from multiple SMRs. Michael Terrell, senior director of energy and climate at Google, emphasized the importance of nuclear energy for the future of the company in a conversation with reporters:

We believe nuclear energy can play a critical role in supporting our clean growth and driving AI progress. The electric grid needs these types of clean, reliable energy sources that can support the expansion of these technologies. We believe that nuclear energy can play an important role in meeting our needs and help us meet our needs cleanly and around the clock. Michael Terrell, senior director of energy and climate at Google

Exploding energy requirements

The growing energy appetite of data centers is an industry-wide phenomenon. Goldman Sachs estimates that U.S. data center power consumption will triple between 2023 and 2030. This trend is driving tech companies to look for new sources of energy. In addition to Google, other industry giants such as Microsoft and Amazon have also reached similar agreements with nuclear companies.

However, the development of SMRs is not without challenges. Critics argue that the technology may not deliver the cost benefits hoped for and that the issue of final disposal of nuclear waste remains unresolved. In addition, Kairos Power still has to overcome extensive regulatory hurdles before the first reactors can go online.

Microsoft also relies on nuclear power

The use of nuclear energy for data centers is not limited to Google. Microsoft, for example, plans to revive part of the former Three Mile Island power plant to power its AI servers. These developments show that the tech industry is increasingly willing to invest in controversial but potentially game-changing energy technologies.