Kairos Power and Google Collaborate on Advanced Nuclear Energy

Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy

Kairos Power, a developer of small modular reactors (SMRs), has announced a partnership with Google to deploy advanced nuclear power projects across the U.S., aiming for 500 megawatts (MW) of carbon-free energy by 2035. This collaboration is integral to Google’s goal of achieving 24/7 carbon-free operations, with Kairos Power tasked to design, construct, and operate the reactors that will supply energy through power purchase agreements (PPAs) directly to Google. The first reactor is expected to be operational by 2030, strategically located near Google’s data centers, thereby enhancing reliability and supporting the company’s net zero emissions targets.

Strategic Deployment and Technological Refinement

The multi-reactor deployment strategy allows for technological refinement with each installation, backed by milestone-based checkpoints for timely completion. Google has a strong history in renewable energy, having signed over 115 agreements since 2010 for more than 14 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy, and the addition of nuclear power will complement its existing wind and solar sources. The partnership also addresses rising electricity demand driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and the necessity for consistent, carbon-free power. Michael Terrell, Google’s senior director for energy and climate, emphasized the agreement’s importance for scaling advanced energy technologies and ensuring communities benefit from clean, affordable power.

Innovative Reactor Technology and Future Developments

Kairos Power’s reactors will use molten-salt cooling and ceramic pebble-type fuel to generate electricity via steam turbines, simplifying operations and reducing costs. The company is currently advancing the Hermes demonstration reactor in Tennessee, the first advanced reactor in the U.S. to receive a construction permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. CEO Mike Laufer highlighted that this partnership accelerates the development of cost-effective nuclear solutions, positioning Google as a key partner that understands the innovative potential of Kairos Power’s technology. This trend of tech companies engaging in nuclear energy is further evidenced by Microsoft’s recent collaboration with Constellation Energy to revitalize the Three Mile Island Unit 1 nuclear reactor in Pennsylvania.