Google has announced its support for the construction of seven new small nuclear reactors in the United States to meet the increasing electricity demands of artificial intelligence. The tech giant has partnered with atomic energy start-up Kairos Power to purchase 500 megawatts of power from these reactors, which are expected to come online between 2030 and 2035.
The power purchase agreement between Google and Kairos Power aims to advance new nuclear technology, similar to how tech firms popularised wind and solar energy in the previous decade. Companies like Microsoft and Amazon have also signed nuclear agreements as they strive to meet the substantial electricity requirements of AI systems. AI technology consumes a significant amount of energy, which can strain the grid and infrastructure.
Google stated that nuclear power offers a clean and reliable source of energy to meet electricity demands around the clock without emitting carbon. The company emphasised the importance of developing these power sources in collaboration with local communities to accelerate the decarbonisation of electricity grids globally. Google believes that nuclear power will unlock the full potential of AI, driving scientific advances, improving services, and enhancing national competitiveness and economic growth.
The energy-intensive nature of modern AI systems, along with their high water usage, poses challenges. Estimates suggest that a single ChatGPT query consumes ten times more power than a Google search query. The AI industry is projected to consume as much electricity annually as the entire Netherlands by 2027. In July, Google reported a 48 percent increase in greenhouse gas emissions since 2019, largely attributed to data centres supporting AI operations.
To address the growing energy demands, tech firms are turning to unconventional sources like nuclear power. Microsoft recently signed a deal to reopen the Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Pennsylvania, while Amazon purchased a data centre powered by an existing nuclear plant in the same state. Kairos Power’s strategy involves building smaller reactors that are easier and quicker to deploy, generating less power than traditional installations. These reactors are designed to be inherently safe, using molten fluoride salt as a coolant instead of water.
The specific location(s) for the new Kairos reactors have yet to be disclosed, and the financial details of Google’s agreement with the start-up remain undisclosed. However, by committing to purchase a certain amount of power in the future, Google is supporting Kairos in advancing its technology, subject to regulatory approvals. The collaboration between Google and Kairos represents a significant step towards meeting the energy requirements of AI systems while promoting clean and sustainable energy solutions.