In a bid to power its AI data centres sustainably, Google has partnered with Kairos Power to employ small nuclear reactors by 2030. This strategic move highlights tech companies' reliance on nuclear energy as they grapple with soaring electricity demands. The initiative aims to forefront advanced nuclear energy's viability, crucial for decarbonising power grids. As the global energy consumption by data centres continues to skyrocket, nuclear power emerges as a nearly carbon-free solution, promising reliable energy around the clock.
Google's AI Data Centres Embrace Nuclear Power for Sustainability
Google's AI Data Centres Embrace Nuclear Power for Sustainability
Google partners with Kairos Power to use nuclear energy, powering AI data centres sustainably by 2030.
Google has forged a pivotal alliance with California-based Kairos Power to leverage small nuclear reactors for powering its AI data centres. This partnership anticipates activating the first reactor by 2030, with additional units planned by 2035. The financial parameters and locations for these nuclear plants remain undisclosed, reflecting a broader industry trend as technology giants tackle the immense electricity demands of AI operations.
Michael Terrell, Google's senior director for energy and climate, emphasised the need for innovative electricity sources to support AI technologies, underscoring this agreement's role in accelerating such advancements. According to Jeff Olson of Kairos Power, this collaboration is vital for demonstrating advanced nuclear energy's commercial feasibility—an essential step toward widespread decarbonisation of power grids.
Pending approvals from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, these efforts align with plans for a demonstration reactor underway in Tennessee. Kairos Power specialises in compact reactors utilising molten fluoride salt coolant, distinguishing them from traditional water-cooled plants. Such nuclear energy solutions offer 24-hour electricity, positioning them as attractive options for tech firms seeking to reduce emissions without curbing energy use.
With data centres' global energy consumption projected to double by decade's end, the tech industry is increasingly exploring nuclear power. As John Moore from TechTarget notes, AI data centres necessitate substantial electricity for both operation and temperature management, making nuclear a compelling option.
The growing momentum towards nuclear adoption is mirrored by initiatives across the US; the nation aims to triple its nuclear capacity by 2050 to phase out fossil fuels. Recent examples include Microsoft's agreement to revive the Three Mile Island plant and Amazon's acquisition of a nuclear-powered data centre in Pennsylvania. Amidst these developments, some critics point to unresolved challenges, such as the generation of long-lived radioactive waste, reminding of nuclear energy's contentious facets despite its low carbon footprint.
Michael Terrell, Google's senior director for energy and climate, emphasised the need for innovative electricity sources to support AI technologies, underscoring this agreement's role in accelerating such advancements. According to Jeff Olson of Kairos Power, this collaboration is vital for demonstrating advanced nuclear energy's commercial feasibility—an essential step toward widespread decarbonisation of power grids.
Pending approvals from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, these efforts align with plans for a demonstration reactor underway in Tennessee. Kairos Power specialises in compact reactors utilising molten fluoride salt coolant, distinguishing them from traditional water-cooled plants. Such nuclear energy solutions offer 24-hour electricity, positioning them as attractive options for tech firms seeking to reduce emissions without curbing energy use.
With data centres' global energy consumption projected to double by decade's end, the tech industry is increasingly exploring nuclear power. As John Moore from TechTarget notes, AI data centres necessitate substantial electricity for both operation and temperature management, making nuclear a compelling option.
The growing momentum towards nuclear adoption is mirrored by initiatives across the US; the nation aims to triple its nuclear capacity by 2050 to phase out fossil fuels. Recent examples include Microsoft's agreement to revive the Three Mile Island plant and Amazon's acquisition of a nuclear-powered data centre in Pennsylvania. Amidst these developments, some critics point to unresolved challenges, such as the generation of long-lived radioactive waste, reminding of nuclear energy's contentious facets despite its low carbon footprint.
