Google: Nuclear Energy Procurement to Power Data Centres

In a bid to power data centres with sustainable energy, Google is taking a groundbreaking step by sourcing nuclear energy from small modular reactors (SMRs).
This shift to nuclear power, which comes courtesy of a collaboration with Kairos Power, highlights Google’s ambition to support the clean energy transition in the US and its drive for sustainable growth in data processing.
This landmark deal reflects a significant shift in how tech giants are procuring energy, paving the way for advanced energy solutions to meet the growing demands of data centres.
It exhibits Google’s focus on long-term goals in carbon reduction while meeting the increasing power needs of AI and data centre technologies.
Why nuclear? Google’s key objectives in clean power
Google's nuclear venture is a calculated strategy aimed at achieving multiple goals simultaneously:
Sustainability and reliability: By investing in nuclear energy, Google looks to secure a stable, carbon-free power supply for its operations, essential in reaching its 24/7 carbon-free energy targets.
Economic efficiency: SMRs are projected to offer power at competitive rates, which could result in cost savings over the long term as Google navigates the energy needs of its intensive data operations.
Tech innovation: This deal supports nuclear technology development and commercialisation, showcasing Google’s role in driving innovations that extend beyond data storage and management.
Risk diversification: With nuclear energy in its portfolio, Google reduces its dependence on more volatile renewable sources like solar and wind, mitigating the risks of variable energy availability.
Economic benefits: By sourcing energy from SMRs, Google contributes to job creation and economic growth within local communities.
The partnership not only positions Google as a leading player in the clean energy landscape, but also presents a blueprint for how other corporations might leverage their purchasing power to drive the development of advanced energy solutions.
Kairos Power, Google’s chosen nuclear partner, is an innovator in SMR technology, using molten-salt cooling and ceramic pebble fuel to create efficient, low-cost reactors.
Its reactors are designed to support a zero-carbon solution, ensuring around-the-clock electricity for energy-intensive systems without the emission concerns tied to fossil fuels.
Google’s investment in SMR technology addresses the challenges that come with scaling data centre power sustainably.
As Google continues to expand its AI capabilities, SMRs are positioned as an optimal power source, providing the stable, carbon-free electricity necessary for large-scale data operations. The company’s goal is to deploy its first nuclear reactor by 2030 and power it with multiple Kairos SMRs.
Michael Terrell, Google’s Senior Director for Energy and Climate, captures the spirit of this collaboration: "The grid needs new electricity sources to support AI technologies.
"This agreement helps accelerate a new technology to meet energy needs cleanly and reliably and unlock the full potential of AI for everyone."
Community impact and economic promise
Google’s commitment to nuclear energy extends beyond its operational needs, aiming to boost economic development in local communities. Meanwhile the US Department of Energy predicts that reaching 200 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2050 could create approximately 375,000 new jobs.
Through its work with Kairos Power, Google aims to generate substantial employment opportunities while contributing to the wider community.
Beyond financial implications, the deployment of advanced SMRs also signals a shift in public perception of nuclear power. Despite the challenges associated with nuclear waste and the energy demands of these reactors, Google’s investment signifies trust in SMR technology as a viable alternative to fossil fuels for powering data centres.
The technology is increasingly seen as essential for data centres and global tech leaders aiming to manage their power needs sustainably.
Michael further emphasises the strategic importance of this partnership, stating: “By procuring electricity from multiple reactors, we will help accelerate the repeated reactor deployments that are needed to lower costs and bring Kairos Power’s technology to market more quickly.
"This is an important part of our approach to scale the benefits of advanced technologies to more people and communities.”
Looking forward, this partnership reflects Google’s continued pursuit of a diverse energy portfolio that includes both nuclear and renewable sources.
The company’s goal is to establish a reliable, low-carbon energy mix that meets the demands of advanced technologies and supports sustainable energy growth.
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