Now, Google has inked a historic deal on how to manage the energy needs of AI data centers through the use of advanced nuclear reactors by partnering with Kairos Power. Under the collaboration, the first power plant will be commissioned before 2030, with more reactors in place before 2035 as the tech firm looks for reliable energy sources to power burgeoning AI facilities.
Michael Terrell, Google’s senior director for energy and climate, gave the increasing electricity consumption of artificial intelligence the nod and highlighted the need to embrace nuclear energy. “Many AI applications require a new source of electricity to plug into the grid. This agreement moves forward a clean and reliable energy solution and realizes the full potential of AI for people, Terrell added.
Kairos Power, the small reactor company, will provide Google with reactors based on coolants other than water in the form of molten fluoride salt. As Kairos executive Jeff Olson has put it, the partnership will advance the process of nuclear energy’s commercialization, providing a key solution to the challenge of graying the electricity networks as well as ensuring the receipt of energy by AI.
The deal comes at a time when energy consumption by data centers has been growing and is estimated to double by 2030. Silicon Valley giants such as Microsoft and Amazon also plan on developing nuclear power as part of their green energy transitions.
Despite the pledge made by Ms. Chu to end the use of coal-based energy ultimately, the project will have to get a green signal from the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission and local authorities before any reactor can be commissioned. Still, if Google succeeds in its endeavor, then it might well establish a new trend in the industry as to how it will obtain its electricity in the future.
