Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Google has entered into an agreement with nuclear technology company Kairos Power to utilize small nuclear reactors (SMRs) to meet the rising energy demands of its artificial intelligence (AI) operations.
The collaboration aims to bring Kairos Power’s first SMR online by 2030, with additional reactors expected by 2035. These reactors are projected to collectively generate up to 500 megawatts of power for Google’s data centres.
Google’s reliance on nuclear power marks a shift toward carbon-free energy sources, addressing the company’s need for a reliable and sustainable energy supply to support its AI technologies.
This move reflects a broader trend in the tech sector. Companies like Microsoft and Amazon are also exploring nuclear energy solutions, as they seek to power their operations with sustainable and consistent energy sources.
SMRs, smaller and potentially easier to deploy than traditional reactors, could be a game-changer in the energy sector. Kairos Power’s reactors use molten-salt cooling systems, promising improved safety and efficiency.
Although SMR technology shows promise, it remains in the early stages of development and is still awaiting regulatory approval before large-scale deployment can begin.
Google’s senior director of energy and climate stressed the critical role of nuclear power in supporting both clean energy growth and the development of energy-intensive AI technologies.
While nuclear energy provides a consistent alternative to solar and wind, it remains controversial due to concerns over waste management, potential accidents, and the high cost of nuclear infrastructure. Despite these challenges, the tech industry is increasingly turning to nuclear power to meet its growing energy needs.