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Google Partners with Kairos Power to Fuel AI with Nuclear Energy

Google and Kairos Power have announced a significant partnership to advance nuclear energy solutions across the U.S. This was reported by Google, and the deal will see Google purchase energy from multiple small modular reactors (SMRs) being developed by Kairos Power. The aim is to fuel AI advancements while reducing carbon footprints.

The partnership is designed to integrate nuclear energy into Google’s broader clean energy strategy. Google already pioneered corporate renewable energy agreements and now seeks to unlock the full potential of AI-powered services by ensuring reliable and carbon-free energy sources. The integration of nuclear energy, with its 24/7 reliability, is pivotal in supporting advanced AI technologies that require substantial energy to power businesses and scientific advancements.

The agreement will enable up to 500 MW of new carbon-free power on U.S. electricity grids by 2035, an essential step for the energy-intensive nature of AI. With its robust and inherently safe design, Kairos Power’s molten-salt cooled reactors offer an affordable and scalable solution, allowing AI technologies to be sustainably powered across the country.

Google’s reliance on clean energy goes hand-in-hand with its ambitious 24/7 carbon-free energy goals. The nuclear energy supplied by Kairos Power will complement existing renewable sources such as wind and solar, ultimately supporting large-scale AI operations in Google’s data centers.

This collaboration reflects a larger trend where advanced nuclear energy is seen as a key to decarbonizing electricity grids globally. The efficient energy generation process of Kairos Power’s technology, which uses a combination of molten-salt cooling and pebble-like fuel, helps generate power at lower pressures with enhanced safety protocols.

The introduction of this innovative energy source is timely. AI is rapidly transforming industries, but as these systems become more advanced, their energy requirements grow. Google’s strategic integration of nuclear power is intended to meet this rising demand while staying within environmental targets. This ensures that AI can scale without compromising on sustainability, all while fostering innovation in energy production.

In terms of economic impact, nuclear energy projects like these are highly beneficial to communities across the U.S. According to the Department of Energy, nuclear power offers one of the highest economic impacts, creating long-term, high-paying jobs. Kairos Power’s efforts, bolstered by this deal, contribute directly to local economies while driving forward the clean energy transition.

Beyond AI, Google and Kairos Power’s agreement reflects the tech giant’s broader commitment to advanced energy technologies. Google has a strong track record of scaling innovative energy projects, including geothermal energy with developer Fervo Energy. The Kairos deal, however, stands out as the first major corporate-backed nuclear energy initiative in the world.

By creating an “orderbook” of nuclear reactors, Google and Kairos are speeding up reactor deployment timelines and encouraging further cost reductions. Their vision is to expand clean energy access to communities and industries, powering not only AI but a broader range of applications that can benefit from round-the-clock clean energy sources.

Google’s partnership with Kairos Power marks a critical milestone in the race to achieve net-zero emissions. The tech giant’s strategic investments in clean technologies have far-reaching implications, providing a model for other corporations aiming to balance growth in AI and energy demands with environmental responsibility.

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