Google is making a significant investment in the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), backing a partnership with Kairos Power to construct reactors that use molten-salt cooling technology. The agreement is part of Google’s strategy to secure carbon-free electricity for its expanding network of data centers over the next decade. Power supplies from these SMRs are expected to come online between 2030 and 2035.
The deal includes support for Kairos Power's 50-megawatt (MW) demonstration Hermes project in Tennessee, followed by commercial-scale reactors sized at 75MW, with the aim of generating a total of 500 MW of clean energy.
With rising demand for electricity due to the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, tech companies like Google are increasingly looking for reliable, carbon-free energy sources. The move is seen as a way to avoid dependence on natural gas plants and to align with environmental goals.
“This is the first agreement of its kind,” said Michael Terrell, Google’s senior director of energy and climate, highlighting the company’s commitment to driving the development of new clean power technologies rather than repurposing existing resources.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed, but it is seen as a pioneering step toward integrating nuclear power into the energy mix for technology companies aiming for sustainable operations.
Comments
Post a Comment