Google will use nuclear to power its artificial intelligence ambitions
Google has signed an agreement to use small nuclear reactors to generate the superpower needed to power its artificial intelligence (AI) data centers.
The company says the deal with Kairos Power will see it start operating the first reactor this decade and bring the rest online by 2035.
The companies did not provide details about the value of the deal or where the plants will be built.
Technology firms are increasingly turning to nuclear power sources to supply the electricity used by large data centers that drive AI.
“The grid needs new energy sources to support AI technology,” said Michael Terrellsenior director of energy and climate at Google.
“This agreement helps accelerate new technologies to meet energy needs cleanly and reliably, and unlocks the full potential of AI for everyone.”
Last month, Microsoft has reached an agreement to restart operations at the Three Mile Island power plantsite of America’s worst nuclear accident in 1979.
In March, Amazon said it would buy a nuclear-powered data center in the state of Pennsylvania.
Nuclear power, which is virtually carbon-free and provides electricity 24 hours a day, is becoming increasingly popular in the tech industry as it tries to reduce emissions while becoming more powerful.
However, critics say that nuclear power is not dangerous and produces long-lasting radioactive waste.
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