Google signs world’s first corporate agreement for nuclear energy from SMRs

In a groundbreaking move, Google has announced that it will source power for its growing artificial intelligence (AI) operations from small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). The tech giant signed the world’s first corporate agreement with Kairos Power, aiming to have the first SMR online by 2030, with more reactors expected by 2035.

Nuclear energy for AI demand

Google has committed to purchasing 500 megawatts of power from six to seven SMRs, smaller than today’s traditional reactors but more suited for consistent energy supply to meet AI’s 24/7 power needs.

“We feel like nuclear can play an important role in helping to meet our demand … cleanly in a way that’s more around the clock,” said Michael Terell, Google’s Senior Director for Energy and Climate, in an interview with Reuters. This deal aligns with the growing energy needs driven by AI, which has significantly increased demand for power across tech firms.

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Growing energy demand for AI

As AI continues to expand, it is placing unprecedented pressure on power grids. According to estimates by Goldman Sachs, the power consumption of U.S. data centers is projected to triple between 2023 and 2030, requiring 47 gigawatts of new generation capacity. By tapping into SMR technology, Google is taking a bold step toward meeting these growing needs with clean energy.

Challenges and future outlook

Despite the ambitious timeline, the development of SMRs will face regulatory hurdles. Kairos Power will need to secure construction and design permits from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and local agencies, which could take years. In 2023, Kairos received an NRC permit to build a demonstration reactor in Tennessee, marking the first step in this process.

While the exact locations for these new SMRs have not been disclosed, the partnership signals a promising future for integrating nuclear power into high-tech industries.

With AI driving new levels of power consumption, Google’s investment in nuclear energy could set a precedent for other tech companies to follow, helping address the dual challenges of energy reliability and sustainability.