– Google has signed the world’s first corporate agreement to purchase nuclear energy from multiple small modular reactors (SMRs) being developed by Kairos Power, aiming to provide clean and reliable energy to support AI advancements.

– The initial phase focuses on bringing Kairos Power’s first SMR online by 2030, with plans for additional reactors through 2035, enabling up to 500 MW of new, carbon-free power for U.S. electricity grids.

– The agreement is expected to boost local economies by creating high-paying jobs in the nuclear sector while advancing decarbonization efforts and meeting increasing electricity demands from AI technologies.

Google has made a groundbreaking move by signing the world’s first corporate agreement to acquire nuclear energy from multiple small modular reactors (SMRs) to be developed by US-based Kairos Power. This agreement aims to advance new technology that provides clean and reliable energy, thereby unlocking the full potential of artificial intelligence (AI) for all. Kairos Power aims to facilitate the global shift toward clean energy.

The initial phase of this project focuses on bringing Kairos Power’s first SMR online by 2030, with plans for additional reactor deployments through 2035.

As AI technologies drive major scientific advancements and enhance services for businesses and consumers, the grid requires new electricity sources to meet growing energy demands. Nuclear solutions present a clean, consistent power source that can reliably supply carbon-free energy around the clock. Collaborating closely with supportive local communities, this initiative will help accelerate the decarbonization of electricity grids globally.

This agreement is part of Google’s broader efforts to develop and commercialize advanced clean electricity technologies to power its data centers and offices. It will complement the company’s use of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, aiding in the achievement of its ambitious goal of 24/7 carbon-free energy and net-zero emissions.

Next-generation advanced nuclear reactors offer a pathway to accelerate deployment due to their simplified designs and robust safety features. Their smaller size and modular construction can shorten timelines, facilitate deployment in diverse locations, and enhance project predictability.

Investing in advanced nuclear technology is also poised to bring significant economic benefits to communities across the U.S. According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), nuclear power generates the highest economic impact of any energy source, creating high-paying, long-term jobs. The DOE estimates that achieving 200 GW of advanced nuclear capacity by 2050 will require an additional 375,000 workers.

Kairos Power’s innovative technology utilizes a molten-salt cooling system and ceramic pebble-type fuel to effectively transport heat to a steam turbine for electricity generation. This passively safe system allows for low-pressure reactor operation, resulting in a more straightforward and cost-effective nuclear reactor design.Through an iterative development approach, Kairos Power will conduct multiple hardware demonstrations before launching its first commercial plant.

This strategy will enable critical insights and efficiency enhancements, accelerating reactor deployments and providing greater cost certainty for Google and other customers.

By sourcing electricity from multiple reactors, referred to as an “orderbook” of reactors, this agreement will help speed up the deployment process necessary to reduce costs and bring Kairos Power’s technology to market more swiftly.

In total, this partnership will facilitate up to 500 MW of new, 24/7 carbon-free power for US electricity grids, benefiting communities with clean and affordable nuclear energy.