Google acquires seven nuclear reactors to boost its artificial intelligence.

Google has formalized an agreement with the nuclear energy startup Kairos Power to acquire 500 megawatts of "new, carbon-free energy 24/7" through seven of the company’s small modular reactors (SMRs). The first delivery of the initial SMR is expected to take place in 2030, with full deployment projected for 2035.

Michael Terrell, senior director of Energy and Climate at Google, noted that the electricity supply needs new sources to support artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, which are driving significant scientific advancements and enhancing business and consumer services. This agreement represents a step towards leveraging nuclear technology to meet energy needs cleanly and reliably, thus maximizing the potential of AI for everyone.

Terrell also emphasized that nuclear energy complements Google’s existing investments in solar and wind power, helping the company achieve its net-zero energy goals. Furthermore, he highlighted the creation of well-paying long-term jobs, based on estimates from the U.S. Department of Energy projecting the need for an additional 375,000 workers to reach a capacity of 200 gigawatts by 2050.

The interest in nuclear energy is not exclusive to Google. Other major tech companies are also exploring this resource. For example, Amazon Web Services acquired a 960-megawatt data center campus from Talen Energy in Houston for $650 million. Microsoft, in turn, is working to restart Unit 1 of the Three Mile Island plant in New York to power its AI data centers. Oracle has also announced plans to design a 1-gigawatt data center that will utilize a combination of small nuclear reactors.

Competition in the modular reactor sector is increasing, with companies like Westinghouse testing microreactors capable of operating continuously for five years without needing a refueling. These innovations are crucial, especially given the high energy and cooling requirements demanded by current frontier AI models.