Google’s Risky Nuclear Bet : Can AI Run on Reactor Power?

These reactors are planned to provide up to 500 megawatts of power, ensuring a consistent and carbon-free energy source for Google’s data center.

Google has signed an agreement with Kairos Power to use miniature nuclear reactors to power its artificial intelligence (AI) operations.

Google’s Nuclear Deal With Kairos Power

This agreement represents a fundamental shift in the IT industry’s strategy to fulfilling the growing energy demands of AI technologies.

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The alliance plans to have Kairos Power’s first small modular reactor (SMR) operational by 2030, with further reactors scheduled until 2035.

These reactors are planned to provide up to 500 megawatts of power together, providing Google’s data centres with a reliable and carbon-free energy source.

“The next generation of advanced nuclear reactors offers a new pathway to accelerate nuclear deployment thanks to their simplified design and robust, inherent safety,” according to a statement issued by Google.

Google’s senior director of energy and climate emphasized the importance of nuclear energy in promoting clean growth and AI advancements. “The grid needs these kinds of clean, reliable sources of energy that can support the build-out of these technologies,” he told reporters at a briefing.

This approach is consistent with a growing trend among IT titans seeking sustainable energy solutions for their increasing AI operations.

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Microsoft recently revealed intentions to use energy from the Three Mile Island nuclear site, while Amazon has invested in a nuclear-powered data centre campus.

The use of SMR technology is viewed as a potential game changer in the nuclear energy sector. These reactors are smaller and perhaps easier to deploy than typical nuclear stations. However, the technology is still in its early phases and requires regulatory approval.

Kairos Power’s CEO, Mike Laufer, sees this relationship as a tremendous chance to advance SMR technology. The company’s reactors use a molten-salt cooling technique, which promises increased safety and efficiency.

While nuclear energy provides a more stable power source than solar and wind, it is still contentious due to waste disposal problems, potential accidents, and expensive costs.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai said at X, “It’s the latest step in our history of accelerating clean energy sources and will help support AI investments.”

With this step, Google joins Microsoft in researching the idea of using nuclear energy to power its operations. Microsoft began its adventure with Constellation Energy in September, agreeing to acquire all of the reactor’s electricity for 20 years. Others will follow suit as major technology corporations strive to use nuclear energy to power their data centers and meet their energy needs.

Kairos Power’s technology combines a molten-salt cooling system with ceramic pebble-like fuel to efficiently transmit heat to a steam turbine, which generates electricity.

Kairos Power’s technology uses a molten-salt cooling system and ceramic pebble-like fuel to efficiently transfer heat to a steam turbine, which generates power.

“Overall, this deal will enable up to 500 MW of new 24/7 carbon-free power to U.S. electricity grids and help more communities benefit from clean and affordable nuclear power,” according to the business’s official website.

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