Google and startup Kairos Power just signed a deal to source energy from small modular reactors. These reactors are made to be compact and efficient, with the first one set to start powering in 2030. More reactors will come online by 2035, and this will ad up to around 500 megawatts of energy total, to the US power grid.
Google intends to keep up with the power needs of its data centres, especially with AI advancing this quickly. Data centres really need a lot of energy to stay operational 24/7, and nuclear power is a steady and reliable way to do so.
The deal is expected to provide a continuous supply of carbon-free electricity. This complements Google鈥檚 existing efforts in renewable energy, such as wind and solar, but with the added benefit of providing power consistently, regardless of environmental conditions.
Why Are Companies Like Google Interested In Nuclear Energy?
AI and cloud computing use has led to a rise in the demand for electricity from data centres. So, because of this, companies like Google want to look at energy solutions that can meet these high demands without adding to their carbon emissions.
Nuclear power, with its ability to generate electricity continuously, has become an appealing option for tech companies.
Google鈥檚 data centres require electricity around the clock to support their operations, making nuclear energy an attractive solution. Unlike renewables, nuclear plants are not dependent on weather conditions and can provide steady power day and night.
Other companies in the tech industry are also turning to nuclear energy. Microsoft has done something similar, working with nuclear plants to meet its energy needs. Amazon has also started investing in nuclear power for its data centres.
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How Does Kairos Power鈥檚 Nuclear Technology Work?
Kairos Power developed a system that uses molten-salt cooling, paired with ceramic pebble fuel. This setup transfers heat to a steam turbine, which generates power. The design of these reactors makes it possible for them to operate at lower pressures, which increases safety and takes down the overall costs compared to traditional nuclear plants.
The modular design of SMRs also means they can be built in smaller pieces, so they’re easier to move around, and faster to assemble on-site. This modular method cuts down on construction time and makes the process more predictable, so a lot of the issues that larger nuclear projects often face are avoided as much as possible. It鈥檚 a more practical way to bring nuclear power to companies that need reliable energy quickly.
Kairos Power鈥檚 progress with its Tennessee-based demonstration reactor, known as Hermes is impressive. Once it starts working, this reactor will serve as a model for future projects that help refine the process before scaling up. If the demonstration is successful, it could open the door for wider use of SMRs, especially with tech companies.
How Is Nuclear Energy Becoming More Appealing To The Tech Industry?
Nuclear energy is gaining more attention from the tech world because it can produce reliable and carbon-free electricity. AI is becoming more popularly used, so the energy needs of data centres are going up.
While renewable energy helps, it isn’t able to consistently produce enough energy needed to power operations that run non-stop. With nuclear power steps in, one gets continuous energy that isn’t affected by things you cannot control, like weather.
For big companies like Google, a dependable energy supply is necessary when it comes to running their huge networks of servers and data centres. Nuclear power can meet this need without adding to carbon emissions, which works together with the tech industry鈥檚 sustainability goals. The consistent energy from nuclear reactors allows tech companies to keep their operations running smoothly while working toward a greener future.
Governments around the world have starting showing support as well, for nuclear energy projects as a way to cut carbon emissions. This is helping tech companies get into nuclear energy more easily, with the technology becoming more accepted in the energy world. The growing interest in decarbonisation shows nuclear energy is becoming a stronger option for companies looking to meet their energy demands while staying environmentally responsible.
