Google signs advanced nuclear clean energy agreement with Kairos Power

Since pioneering the first corporate renewable electricity purchasing agreements more than a decade ago, Google has played a critical role in accelerating clean energy solutions, including the next generation of advanced clean technologies. Today we are building on these efforts by signing the world’s first corporate agreement to purchase nuclear power from multiple small modular reactors (SMRs) to be developed by Kairos Power. The first phase of work aims to bring Kairos Power’s first SMR online quickly and safely by 2030, followed by additional reactor deployments through 2035. In total, this deal will enable up to 500 MW of new 24/7 carbon-free energy for U.S. electricity . networks and help more communities benefit from clean and affordable nuclear energy.

This agreement is important for two reasons:

• The electric grid needs new sources of electricity to support AI technologies that will enable major scientific advances, improve service to businesses and customers, and drive national competitiveness and economic growth. This agreement helps accelerate a new technology to meet energy needs cleanly and reliably and unlock the full potential of AI for everyone.
• Nuclear solutions provide a clean, 24-hour energy source that can help us reliably meet electricity needs every hour of the day with carbon-free energy. Promoting these energy sources in close collaboration with supportive local communities will quickly contribute to the decarbonization of electricity grids around the world.

Why we support new advanced nuclear energy

This agreement is part of our efforts to develop and commercialize a broad portfolio of advanced clean electricity technologies to power our global data centers and offices. This approach will complement our use of variable renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind energy, and help us achieve our ambitious 24/7 carbon-free energy and net zero targets.

The next generation of advanced nuclear reactors offers a new path to accelerate nuclear deployment thanks to their simplified design and robust, inherent safety. The smaller size and modular design can shorten construction timelines, enable deployment in more locations, and make final project delivery more predictable.

Investing in advanced nuclear technology can also bring direct economic benefits to U.S. communities. Nuclear energy has the greatest economic impact of all energy generation sources and creates good-paying, long-term jobs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The agency estimates that reaching 200 GW of advanced nuclear capacity in the US by 2050 will require an additional 375,000 workers.