Google set to power it’s AI data centres with mini-nuclear reactors

In a new effort to power its AI data centres with clean energy, Google has turned to nuclear energy and signed a partnership with US-based Kairos Power which is developing small modular reactors (SMRs).

“Today, we’re […] signing the world’s first corporate agreement to purchase nuclear energy from multiple small modular reactors (SMRs) to be developed by Kairos Power,” said Google in a statement.

The first such reactor to power Google’s data centres is expected to be operational by 2030, followed by additional reactor deployments through to 2035.

Google added: “Overall, this deal will enable up to 500 MW of new 24/7 carbon-free power to US electricity grids. The grid needs new electricity sources to support AI technologies.”

That is enough to power roughly 360,000 homes with electricity annually.

Data centres are the heart of the digital economy and their overall energy consumption is expected to double between 2023 and 2028 reaching 857 Terawatt hours (TWh) by the end of this period.

Kairos Power has been developing small modular reactors that use a molten-salt cooling system (instead of water), promising shorter construction time and more adaptable solutions for localised needs.

The technology is not ready, however, the deal is seen as an important step in unlocking the path to long-term commercial scale.

This summer, Kairos Power broke ground on its demonstration reactor in Tennessee, the first such project to receive a construction permit from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

“This agreement helps accelerate a new technology to meet energy needs cleanly and reliably, and unlock the full potential of AI for everyone,” added Google.

The company has not revealed the deal’s value or the planned location of the reactors.