#191 Tech Meets Nuclear: Google is Betting Big on Small Modular Reactors

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Oct 15, 2024

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When you think of Google, nuclear reactors probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind.

But in a bold, first-of-its-kind deal, Google is diving headfirst into nuclear energy, and no, this isn’t a sci-fi plot twist! The tech giant has committed to backing the construction of seven small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) in the U.S., partnering with startup Kairos Power.

This innovative approach aims to satisfy Google's growing appetite for electricity, especially as AI continues to demand power on an unprecedented scale.

Let’s explore how this nuclear revival could spark the future of clean energy and why the tech world is all-in on atoms.

Tech Titans Go Nuclear: Google’s Groundbreaking Deal

Google’s deal with Kairos Power to build seven SMRs represents a landmark shift in how tech companies approach energy needs. By the end of the decade, Kairos aims to provide Google with 500 megawatts (MW) of nuclear power—enough to power a mid-size city or, more realistically, one AI data-center campus.

Yes, you read that right: a single data center will gobble up as much energy as a city! AI doesn’t just think big—it consumes big.

Michael Terrell, Google’s Senior Director for Energy and Climate, says this push towards nuclear is part of the company’s broader goal of achieving 24/7 carbon-free energy. “Wind and solar are great, but they can’t meet the around-the-clock demand of AI centers,” Terrell explains. Nuclear, with its ability to provide steady, uninterrupted power, fits the bill perfectly.

Why Nuclear? Why Now?

It’s no secret that tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are in a race to scale up their AI capabilities. But with that comes an unprecedented need for power—clean power.

Google, for instance, expects its power consumption to skyrocket in the next decade. The company already has some experience with renewable energy, having driven down costs in the wind and solar sectors by signing massive power-purchase agreements (PPAs). Now, nuclear advocates hope Google can do the same for their industry.

Kairos Power’s SMR design stands out by using molten fluoride salt as a coolant rather than traditional water. This not only boosts efficiency but also adds an extra layer of safety. In contrast to behemoth conventional reactors that produce up to 1,000 MW, these smaller, modular reactors can be scaled more flexibly, with each Kairos unit generating between 50 and 75 MW.

The Safety Factor: How Safe Are SMRs?

Safety is always the elephant in the room when it comes to nuclear power. While many associate nuclear energy with accidents like Chernobyl or Three Mile Island, SMRs offer an entirely different, much safer profile.

Their smaller size makes them easier to manage, and the use of molten salt as a coolant adds an inherent safety buffer. In the unlikely event of a meltdown, the molten salt design reduces the chance of any catastrophic failure. Think of it as a more controlled, safer version of nuclear energy that doesn’t have the same nightmare potential.

Moreover, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has already cleared Kairos Power to build a demonstration reactor in Tennessee, which is expected to be operational by 2027.

The Albuquerque facility is also testing out components to ensure everything works as intended before full-scale deployment. Kairos co-founder Mike Laufer has emphasized that these preemptive steps are helping to avoid the "cost spirals" that plagued older nuclear projects.

Nuclear's Renaissance: Not Just Google

Google isn’t the only tech giant going nuclear. In September, Microsoft inked a deal with Constellation Energy to restart the undamaged reactor at Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island—yes, the site of the infamous 1979 nuclear accident. The reactor, shut down not because of safety concerns but due to competition from shale gas, will now serve Microsoft’s hunger for clean energy.

Amazon is also getting in on the action, purchasing a data center near another Pennsylvania nuclear plant. And earlier this year, Oracle announced plans for a gigawatt-scale data center powered by three SMRs, which will contribute to the growing interest in the technology.

But while the tech sector is clearly enthusiastic, the nuclear industry still faces significant challenges. For example, conventional nuclear plants are notorious for their ballooning costs and years-long delays. The Vogtle nuclear plant in Georgia, completed this year, was over seven years late and more than doubled its original budget, reaching a jaw-dropping $35 billion.

SMRs aim to fix that. By producing standardized modules in factories, the industry hopes to bring down costs and build times dramatically. Think of it like manufacturing cars on an assembly line rather than building each one by hand. The goal is for the U.S. to regain its nuclear footing, especially as China and Russia continue to dominate new nuclear construction.

Small Modular Reactors: The Future of Clean Energy?

So, are SMRs really the future of nuclear energy? Advocates certainly hope so. These smaller reactors are easier to build, more flexible in their output, and come with fewer safety risks compared to their conventional counterparts.

But the technology is still relatively unproven at commercial scale. While there are currently only two SMRs operational—one in China and one in Russia—the U.S. and Europe are catching up. Bill Gates-backed TerraPower is building its first SMR in Wyoming, and Google’s Kairos project could be the first of many as interest surges.

One thing’s for sure: the energy demands of AI and data centers aren’t going away anytime soon. As more tech companies follow in Google’s footsteps, nuclear energy, particularly SMRs, could well be the key to powering our digital future while keeping the carbon footprint in check.

As tech titans like Google and Microsoft scramble to find sustainable energy sources to power their AI ambitions, nuclear power is emerging from the shadows, ready for its second act. While renewables like wind and solar remain vital parts of the equation, they simply can’t meet the non-stop demands of the AI revolution alone. Enter nuclear power, and more specifically, small modular reactors, to fill the gap.

With Google's SMR project potentially paving the way, the future of nuclear energy is looking a lot brighter (and cleaner). So, whether you’re a fan of AI, nuclear power, or just curious about what happens when atoms meet algorithms, one thing is clear: we’re about to witness the next energy revolution.

And if nothing else, we can all sleep a little better knowing that Google’s nuclear-powered AI won’t just be running your next search query—it’ll also be keeping the lights on while saving the planet, one atom at a time.