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Google has taken a significant step toward securing clean and reliable energy for its AI-driven data centers by signing an agreement with Kairos Power to use small nuclear reactors. This partnership, which will bring the first reactor online this decade and expand by 2035, reflects the tech industry's growing interest in nuclear power to meet increasing energy demands. While the financial details of the deal and reactor locations remain undisclosed, this initiative marks a pivotal shift in Google's energy strategy.
Michael Terrell, Senior Director for Energy and Climate at Google, emphasized the importance of new energy sources to support AI's rapid growth. "This agreement helps accelerate a new technology to meet energy needs cleanly and reliably, and unlock the full potential of AI for everyone," he stated.
This move aligns with other tech giants exploring nuclear energy. In recent months, Microsoft announced plans to restart the Three Mile Island nuclear plant, and Amazon purchased a nuclear-powered data center in Pennsylvania. These companies are attracted to nuclear power due to its near-zero carbon emissions and ability to provide consistent 24-hour energy, crucial for running massive data centers.
However, critics argue that nuclear energy comes with risks, including the production of long-lasting radioactive waste. Despite these concerns, the tech industry sees nuclear power as a viable solution to balance energy consumption and environmental impact as the demand for AI technologies surges.
