Google Purchases Nuclear Energy from Kairos Power

Google announced a historic contract to buy nuclear energy from Kairos Power's small modular reactors (SMRs). This is the first business transaction of its sort. By 2030, the first SMR should be up and running, adding 500 MW of carbon-free energy to the US electrical system. Google wants to use this energy to promote significant scientific advancements and AI technology.

Ballingall: The power of the utility in Google's war on nuclear

• A shift to nuclear for the growing energy needs of Google, such as data centers and training AI models
• In Google considers nuclear energy to be a clean and consistent source of power that can operate 24 hours a day.
• Despite a nuclear pledge from Microsoft and Amazon, other corporate partners

Nuclear energy has stayed in the shadows of public perception

• Chernobyl and Fukushima have tarnished the image of nuclear energy.
• Environmental organizations, such as Friends of the Earth, denounce nuclear power as dirty and dangerous.

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

• SMRs are viewed as being the answer to some of the traditional problems with nuclear power.
• Low-cost construction & operational cost, suitable for areas unsuitable to build a big plant.

U.S. Government's Stance

• Nuclear is seen by the U.S. Government as a key part of its clean energy plan
• U.S. operating reactors avoid nearly 500 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.