Google is making a significant move into nuclear energy as part of its strategy to power its AI data centers. The tech giant has signed a deal with California-based Kairos Power to develop a fleet of small nuclear reactors. This initiative is seen as a “world’s first” for a corporate energy deal and aims to address the growing energy demands associated with AI technologies.
Nuclear Energy for AI Demands
The agreement between Google and Kairos Power will see the first of these compact reactors operational by 2030, with plans to have six to seven reactors in place by 2035. The exact locations and financial details of the deal have not been disclosed. However, Google has emphasized the need for reliable and clean energy sources to support its AI operations. Michael Terrell, Google’s senior director for energy and climate, stated, “The grid needs new electricity sources to support AI technologies.” He added that this agreement is crucial for accelerating new technology to meet energy needs in a clean and reliable manner.
The energy consumption of AI models is substantial. For instance, training advanced AI systems can produce significant carbon emissions, with estimates suggesting that models like ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini could generate as much as 626,000 pounds of CO2 per model. This amount is comparable to the emissions from 300 round-trip flights between New York and San Francisco or five times the lifetime emissions of an average car. As a result, Google is seeking to transition to nuclear energy, which is nearly carbon-free and can provide continuous power.
The Role of Kairos Power
Kairos Power is at the forefront of this initiative, having recently received the first permit in 50 years to develop a new type of nuclear reactor. The company specializes in compact reactors that utilize molten fluoride salt as a coolant, a departure from the traditional water-cooled systems. This innovative approach is expected to enhance safety and efficiency in nuclear energy production.
Jeff Olson, an executive at Kairos, stressed on the significance of the partnership with Google, stating that it will demonstrate the technical and market viability of advanced nuclear energy. He noted that this collaboration is critical for decarbonizing power grids and advancing the commercialization of nuclear energy.
Before the project can proceed, however, it must receive approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and local authorities. In July, Kairos Power began construction on a demonstration reactor in Tennessee expected to start work by 2027.
Industry Trends Towards Nuclear Energy
Google is not alone in its pursuit of nuclear energy. Other major tech companies are also exploring similar initiatives. Microsoft recently announced plans to revive the Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Pennsylvania, the site of the worst nuclear accident in U.S. history. This facility has been dormant for years but is now slated for restoration to meet Microsoft’s growing energy needs for AI.
Amazon has also entered the nuclear energy space, indicating a broader trend among technology firms to seek cleaner energy alternatives for their data centers. The demand for energy in these facilities is expected to more than double by the end of the decade, according to a report from Goldman Sachs. This surge in energy consumption is prompting tech companies to look for sustainable solutions to power their operations.
John Moore, an editor at TechTarget, explained that AI data centers require substantial electricity not only for operation but also for cooling the specialized hardware that generates significant heat.
Environmental Considerations
While nuclear energy presents a promising solution for reducing carbon emissions, it is not without its critics. Concerns remain regarding the safety of nuclear power and the long-lasting radioactive waste it produces. Critics argue that the risks associated with nuclear energy must be carefully managed, especially as more companies turn to this energy source.
In a broader context, the U.S. has committed to tripling its nuclear energy capacity by 2050 as part of international efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This commitment was made during a United Nations Climate Change Conference last year, where the U.S. joined other nations in a pledge to enhance nuclear energy as a clean power source.
