Google goes nuclear

Google has made a groundbreaking deal with Kairos Power to purchase energy from small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). Google has a rapidly growing electricity demand, especially for AI-related operations.

The plan is to bring Kairos' first reactor online by 2030 and more by 2035. The deal will cover 500 megawatts of power from six or seven reactors, and it highlights Google's commitment to clean, reliable, around-the-clock energy.

Tech companies are increasingly turning to nuclear power as AI demands surge. For instance, Amazon and Microsoft have recently struck nuclear energy deals as well. US data center power usage is expected to triple by 2030.

SMRs are one potential solution for cleaner energy, but critics worry about the high costs and long-term nuclear waste issues. Google's partnership with Kairos is meant to accelerate SMR development by committing to a long-term order book rather than individual purchases.