Google has entered into an agreement to utilize small nuclear reactors to provide the significant energy required for its artificial intelligence (AI) data centres. The collaboration with Kairos Power aims to deploy the first reactor within this decade, with plans to introduce additional reactors by 2035.
While the details regarding the financial aspects of the deal and the specific locations for the reactors have not been disclosed, this move highlights a growing trend among technology companies to adopt nuclear energy sources for their massive data centre operations.
"The grid needs new electricity sources to support AI technologies," said Michael Terrell, senior director for energy and climate at Google. He added, "This agreement helps accelerate a new technology to meet energy needs cleanly and reliably, and unlock the full potential of AI for everyone."
Kairos Power executive Jeff Olson remarked that the partnership is vital for advancing the commercial viability of advanced nuclear energy, which is essential for decarbonizing power grids.
Before moving forward, the plans must receive approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and local agencies. Last year, Kairos Power received the first permit in 50 years to construct a new type of nuclear reactor in California. In July, the company began building a demonstration reactor in Tennessee, specializing in smaller reactors that use molten fluoride salt as a coolant instead of traditional water.
Nuclear power is increasingly appealing to the tech industry because it is nearly carbon-free and can provide round-the-clock electricity. According to Goldman Sachs, global energy consumption by data centres is projected to more than double by the end of the decade.
John Moore, Industry Editor for TechTarget, noted that AI data centres demand substantial electricity to operate and cool specialized hardware. "These data centres are equipped with specialized hardware that requires lots of power and generates lots of heat," he explained.
At a recent United Nations Climate Change Conference, the U.S. joined other countries in a commitment to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050 as part of the transition away from fossil fuels. However, some critics caution that nuclear power is not without risks, particularly concerning the generation of long-lasting radioactive waste.
In related news, Microsoft recently announced plans to restart operations at the Three Mile Island energy plant, which was the site of America's worst nuclear accident in 1979. In March, Amazon revealed its intention to purchase a nuclear-powered data centre in Pennsylvania.
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