Google Secures Nuclear Power Deal to Support Future AI Server Operations

In a groundbreaking move, Google has revealed a partnership aimed at utilizing nuclear energy to support its forthcoming AI server infrastructure. This initiative marks a shift from traditional large-scale reactors, as it introduces a new kind of compact nuclear facility.

According to a blog post on Google’s official site, the tech giant will acquire and harness power produced by several small nuclear reactors currently being engineered by Kairos Power. This marks the inaugural instance of Google securing an energy deal involving nuclear resources, although the specific financial arrangements have not been made public.

The announcement sheds light on the innovative design of Kairos Power’s nuclear reactors:

Kairos Power employs a molten-salt cooling mechanism, paired with a ceramic, pebble-type fuel, to efficiently transfer heat to a steam turbine for electricity generation. This inherently safe system permits the reactor to function at low pressure, paving the way for a more streamlined and cost-effective nuclear reactor design.

Before introducing its first full-scale power plant, Kairos will conduct multiple demonstrations of its nuclear reactor technology. Google anticipates that the inaugural plant will become operational by 2030, with additional facilities slated to follow by 2035.

Ultimately, these modular nuclear power plants from Kairos are projected to produce a combined total of 500 MW of energy, which will primarily serve to energize Google’s AI servers.

In a related development, Microsoft recently announced a collaboration with Constellation Energy to draw power from the dismantled Three Mile Island nuclear station for its own AI initiatives, with plans for the reactor to resume operations in 2028.

Additionally, earlier this year, Microsoft reached an accord with Helion Energy to procure energy from an upcoming nuclear fusion reactor, also expected to be operational by 2028.

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