To meet the surging demand for electricity required to power AI, Google has signed a first-of-its-kind deal with Kairos Power to build seven small modular nuclear reactors across the United States.
This innovative agreement will create a pathway for developing up to 500 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity by 2035, marking the first corporate arrangement for multiple deployments of a single advanced reactor design in the U.S. This initiative will help meet the tech giant’s growing electricity needs for artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies.
AI potential and Clean Energy needs
This partnership addresses two pressing energy challenges: the need for reliable electricity sources to support emerging technologies, such as AI, and the urgent requirement for carbon-free energy. Nuclear solutions offer a clean, round-the-clock power source to help meet electricity demands.
“Having an agreement for multiple deployments is important to accelerate the commercialization of advanced nuclear energy by demonstrating the technical and market viability of a solution critical to decarbonizing power grids while delivering much-needed energy generation and capacity,” explained Jeff Olson, Kairos Power Vice President, Business Development & Finance. He emphasized that the agreement provides a strong customer demand signal, bolstering Kairos Power’s ongoing investment in its development strategy.
The agreement is expected to bring substantial economic benefits to communities across the U.S., with nuclear power recognized for its significant economic impact. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that achieving 200 GW of advanced nuclear capacity by 2050 could create approximately 375,000 jobs.
Key Highlights
- Google has partnered with Kairos Power to deploy a 500-MW fleet of advanced nuclear power plant projects to power its AI data centers.
- The agreement supports Google’s ambitious 24/7 carbon-free energy and net-zero emissions targets.
- Google’s parent company Alphabet has signed the world’s first corporate agreement to invest in multiple small modular reactors.
- The initial reactor is projected to be operational by 2030, with subsequent deployments through 2035.
AI potential and clean energy goals
The partnership between Google and Kairos Power is a significant leap forward in the clean energy landscape. Google, known for its pioneering efforts in renewable energy, is now venturing into advanced nuclear technology, leveraging its deep commitment to decarbonization.
“This landmark announcement will accelerate the transition to clean energy as Google and Kairos Power look to add 500 MW of new 24/7 carbon-free power to U.S. electricity grids,” said Michael Terrell, Google Senior Director of Energy and Climate. The agreement reinforces Google’s role as a leader in clean energy development to reach net zero and 24/7 carbon-free energy goals and also help communities benefit from clean and affordable nuclear technology in the U.S., he added.
Technology behind Kairos Power
Kairos Power’s innovative approach, featuring a fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature reactor (KP-FHR), offers a safer, more efficient pathway to nuclear deployment, with simplified designs that enhance predictability and reduce construction timelines.
Kairos Power’s advanced reactor technology employs a molten-salt cooling system and a ceramic, pebble-type fuel, which enhances efficiency and safety. This innovative design allows for low-pressure operation, making the reactors more affordable and easier to deploy.
California-based Kairos Power is already making strides toward commercialization, having broken ground on its Hermes non-powered demonstration reactor in Tennessee, the first advanced reactor project in over 50 years to receive a construction permit from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The commission certified a design for a small modular reactor — NuScale’s VOYGR SMR power plant — for the first time in 2023.
“Our partnership with Google will enable Kairos Power to quickly advance down the learning curve as we drive toward cost and schedule certainty for our commercial product,” said Mike Laufer, Kairos Power CEO and co-founder. “By coming alongside in the development phase, Google is more than just a customer. They are a partner who deeply understands our innovative approach and the potential it can deliver.”
Collaborative effort for clean energy
As Google and Kairos Power join forces to expand the potential of advanced nuclear technology, their agreement is set to catalyze significant progress in clean energy solutions. By leveraging their combined expertise and shared commitment to sustainability, the two companies seek to fulfill their carbon-free ambitions while providing communities access to affordable, clean energy.
In an era where the demand for sustainable energy is ever-growing, collaborations like this underscore the critical role of innovative partnerships in shaping a more equitable energy landscape for the future.
