In a strategic push towards sustainable, high-energy solutions, Google is making notable advances in the realm of nuclear power for their vast networks of AI data centers. Google has recently inked a groundbreaking deal with Kairos Power, aiming to harness energy from small modular reactors (SMRs) for powering its AI data centers, BBC News reports. This follows similar news from Amazon that announced it was purchasing a nuclear-powered datacenter in Pennsylvania.
With the first reactor expected to be operational this decade, followed by additional reactors by 2035, the agreement could see up to 500 MW of clean energy supplied to U.S. grids. This development comes as technology firms actively seek alternative energy sources to support the increasing demand for AI technologies. Michael Terrell, Google's senior director for energy and climate, emphasized the necessity of new energy sources in a statement obtained by Google's blog, "This agreement helps accelerate a new technology to meet energy needs cleanly and reliably, and unlock the full potential of AI for everyone."
Amazon is not far behind, having detailed plans to invest in SMRs through collaborations with utility companies and reactor developer X-energy, as revealed by CBS News. The online retail giant aims to deploy this advanced nuclear capacity near the North Anna nuclear power station in Virginia and in central Washington. These efforts coincide with the industry-wide pivot to nuclear energy in order to meet carbon-free electricity goals while addressing the spike in power needed for AI operations.
As these tech behemoths join forces with the nuclear sector, critics raise concerns over the risks and challenges associated with nuclear power, including the handling of long-lasting radioactive waste. Nevertheless, the potential for small nuclear reactors offers a sliver of promise: a carbon-free, reliable source of power capable of operating 24/7, elements that are particularly important for the constant demands of data centers. The United States is pushing forward with SMR development, although approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is still pending. "We view advanced new nuclear capacity as really key and essential," Kevin Miller, Amazon Web Services' vice president of global data centers, told The Associated Press.
The tech sector's embrace of nuclear power could indeed mark a transformative phase for both industries. Although still in the early stages, the widespread commercial deployment of advanced nuclear reactors seems to be a developing narrative, with powerhouses like Google and Amazon spearheading this charge towards sustainable energy alternatives, aimed at meeting the burgeoning power needs of AI and, ultimately, prolonging the grid's clean energy trajectory.
