Nuclear goes nuclear

Google has partnered with nuclear startup Kairos Power to support the construction of seven small nuclear reactors in the U.S., aiming to provide 500 megawatts of power by the end of the decade. This initiative is designed to help meet Google’s increasing energy demands for AI while revitalizing the nuclear sector.

Kairos plans to complete the reactors between 2030 and 2035, using molten fluoride salt as a coolant instead of traditional water. The project still requires regulatory approval, but Kairos has already received clearance for a demonstration reactor in Tennessee, set to start operating in 2027.

This collaboration could pave the way for more affordable nuclear energy by establishing consistent demand, similar to the influence tech companies have had on renewable energy costs. As electricity needs rise, particularly for data centers driven by AI, partnerships like this may help ensure a sustainable energy future.