Google turns to nuclear to power AI data centres

"The grid needs new electricity sources to support AI technologies," said Michael Terrell, senior director for energy and climate at Google. "This agreement helps accelerate a new technology to meet energy needs cleanly and reliably, and unlock the full potential of AI for everyone." The deal with Google "is important to accelerate the commercialisation of advanced nuclear energy by demonstrating the technical and market viability of a solution critical to decarbonising power grids," said Kairos executive Jeff Olson. The plans still have to be approved by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission as well as local agencies before they are allowed to proceed. Last year, US regulators gave California-based Kairos Power the first permit in 50 years to build a new type of nuclear reactor.