Google embraces nuclear energy, partnering with Kairos Power to deploy small nuclear reactors for powering AI data centers, starting this decade and expanding further by 2035. As the demand for reliable and clean energy sources increases, tech giants like Google are turning to nuclear power to drive their vast energy-intensive AI operations. The financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, and the locations for the nuclear plants have not been revealed. Michael Terrell, Google's senior director for energy and climate, emphasized the importance of new electricity sources to support AI technologies. This move follows similar initiatives by Microsoft and Amazon, indicating a growing trend in the tech industry towards nuclear energy due to its low carbon footprint and constant energy supply, despite concerns over its risks and radioactive waste.
Google Partners with Kairos for Nuclear-Powered AI Data Centers
Google Partners with Kairos for Nuclear-Powered AI Data Centers
Google forges agreement with Kairos Power aiming at nuclear energy adoption for AI centers by 2030.
In a groundbreaking move, Google has announced a partnership with Kairos Power to utilize small nuclear reactors to generate the necessary energy for its artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. This strategic decision aims to have the first reactor operational within this decade, with more reactors planned by 2035. As AI technologies increasingly require substantial energy resources, technology companies like Google are exploring nuclear energy alternatives to meet demand sustainably.
While specifics about the deal's cost and the location for the ongoing construction remain undisclosed, Google's Michael Terrell, senior director for energy and climate, highlighted the need for innovative energy solutions to bolster AI advancement while minimizing the environmental footprint. "This agreement helps accelerate a new technology to meet energy needs cleanly and reliably, and unlock the full potential of AI for everyone," Terrell noted.
The tech industry has shown a growing interest in nuclear energy solutions, as evidenced by Microsoft's recent agreement to resume operations at the Three Mile Island energy plant and Amazon's acquisition of a nuclear-powered data center in Pennsylvania. Despite its carbon-free benefits and consistent 24-hour energy generation, nuclear power also draws criticism for potentially unsafe risks and its long-lasting radioactive waste. The shift towards embracing nuclear power highlights the sector's balancing act of powering innovation and reducing emissions without compromising environmental safety.
While specifics about the deal's cost and the location for the ongoing construction remain undisclosed, Google's Michael Terrell, senior director for energy and climate, highlighted the need for innovative energy solutions to bolster AI advancement while minimizing the environmental footprint. "This agreement helps accelerate a new technology to meet energy needs cleanly and reliably, and unlock the full potential of AI for everyone," Terrell noted.
The tech industry has shown a growing interest in nuclear energy solutions, as evidenced by Microsoft's recent agreement to resume operations at the Three Mile Island energy plant and Amazon's acquisition of a nuclear-powered data center in Pennsylvania. Despite its carbon-free benefits and consistent 24-hour energy generation, nuclear power also draws criticism for potentially unsafe risks and its long-lasting radioactive waste. The shift towards embracing nuclear power highlights the sector's balancing act of powering innovation and reducing emissions without compromising environmental safety.
