Google has entered a groundbreaking agreement to utilize small nuclear reactors to support the substantial energy demands of its artificial intelligence (AI) data centers.
The deal, signed with Kairos Power, aims for the first reactor to be operational within this decade, with additional reactors scheduled to come online by 2035. Details regarding the financial terms of the agreement or the locations of the facilities have not been disclosed.
As technology companies increasingly seek sustainable energy sources to power their extensive data center operations, nuclear energy has emerged as a viable solution. Michael Terrell, Google’s senior director for energy and climate, emphasized the necessity for new electricity sources to support AI technologies, stating, “This agreement will accelerate the use of innovative technologies that can meet our energy needs in a clean and reliable manner, enabling full and equitable access to AI capabilities.”
This venture follows significant moves in the tech sector towards nuclear energy. Last month, Microsoft announced a partnership to restart operations at the Three Mile Island plant, site of the worst nuclear accident in U.S. history in 1979. In March, Amazon revealed plans to acquire a nuclear-powered data center in Pennsylvania.
With nuclear power providing virtually carbon-free electricity 24 hours a day, it has gained traction among tech companies striving to reduce emissions while managing increasing energy consumption. However, critics caution that nuclear energy comes with its own risks, including the production of long-lasting radioactive waste.
Credit: BBC News
