Google Signs Nuclear Energy Deal to Power Data Centres

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16 October 2024 | Updated 18 October 2024

Google has signed the world’s first corporate agreement to purchase nuclear energy from multiple small modular reactors to generate power for its data centres.

The agreement with Kairos Power will create a path to deploy a fleet of advanced nuclear power projects totalling 500 MW by 2035. Kairos Power’s systems use a molten-salt cooling system and ceramic, pebble-type fuel to transfer heat to a steam turbine for power generation and allows the reactor to operate at low pressure.

Google operates around 25 data centres worldwide and recently announced that it will invest $1 billion in a new UK data centre in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire. 

Data centres and data transmission networks are responsible for one per cent of energy-related GHG emissions worldwide. According to JLL’s Global Data Centre Outlook, the hyperscale market (facilities that manage very large data processing and storage needs), is expected to grow 20 per cent from 2021 to 2026, as more major tech companies look to meet surging demand for data processing and storage requirements.

Why Has Google Chosen Nuclear?

The safety of nuclear power has long been debated, particularly when it comes to waste disposal and the danger of radioactive material and radiation exposure. In recent years, nuclear has become an attractive energy source, as it’s virtually carbon-free and power plants are cheap to run compared to fossil fuel regeneration. 

A Google press release says that: “nuclear solutions offer a clean, round-the-clock power source that can help us reliably meet electricity demands with carbon-free energy every hour of every day. Advancing these power sources in close partnership with supportive local communities will rapidly drive the decarbonisation of electricity grids around the world.”

Through nuclear, solar and wind, Google hopes to operate its offices and data centres on 24/7 carbon-free energy. It also cites the economic benefits of the technology. According to the US. Department of Energy (DOE), reaching 200 GW of advanced nuclear capacity in the US. by 2050 will require an additional 375,000 workers.

Picture: a photograph of some Google-branded signage at one of the company's offices. Image Credit: Unsplash

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 16 October 2024

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