Google signs deal to use small modular nuclear reactors to power AI data centers

Google has signed a deal with Kairos Power to build a fleet of small modular nuclear reactors to power its data centers, the tech giant announced Monday. 

The small modular reactors, a type of next-generation nuclear reactor that has yet to be built in the U.S., are scheduled to be completed between 2030 and 2035 and will produce 500 megawatts of power. 

The deal comes at a crucial moment, as Google and other Big Tech firms search for ways to meet the extensive energy demands of artificial intelligence (AI). 

“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,” wrote Michael Terrell, Google’s senior director of energy and climate, in a blog post. 

“This agreement helps accelerate a new technology to meet energy needs cleanly and reliably, and unlock the full potential of AI for everyone,” he added. 

Kairos Power touted Google as “more than just a customer” following the deal’s announcement. 

“Our partnership with Google will enable Kairos Power to quickly advance down the learning curve as we drive toward cost and schedule certainty for our commercial product,” Kairos CEO and co-founder Mike Laufer said in a statement. 

Google CEO Sundar Pichai told Nikkei earlier this month he was looking at using nuclear energy, including small modular reactors, to power the company’s data centers.  

Nuclear represents a key carbon-free source of energy at a time when the tech giant is struggling to cut its emissions and reach its goal of becoming net-zero by the end of the decade. Google’s emissions rose 13 percent in 2023 and are up 48 percent since 2019.