Google Partner With Nuclear Startup Kairos Power To Fuel AI Data Centers
As AI's energy needs continue to grow, with global data center consumption expected to more than double by 2030, nuclear power is becoming increasingly attractive to tech giants like Google.
Google has signed an agreement with nuclear startup Kairos Power to use small nuclear reactors to power its AI data centers. The deal, which could see the first reactor online this decade and more by 2035, reflects a growing trend among tech companies to tap into nuclear energy for reliable, carbon-free electricity as energy demands from AI surge.
Kairos specializes in developing smaller reactors that use molten fluoride salt as coolant, a departure from traditional water-cooled systems. While financial details and plant locations were not disclosed, the agreement still needs approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and local agencies.
Google sees this deal as crucial for accelerating nuclear technology to meet the increasing energy demands of AI while supporting decarbonization. The move comes amid rising global data center energy consumption, which is expected to more than double by 2030. Nuclear energy, offering 24-hour power, has become increasingly attractive to companies trying to reduce emissions.
Though nuclear power is seen as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, critics point to the risks, including the management of long-lasting radioactive waste.
