Why are Big Tech companies like Google seeking nuclear power?

Google’s First Corporate Agreement to Buy Nuclear Energy

• Google announced the first corporate agreement to buy nuclear energy from Small Modular Reactors (SMR) developed by Kairos Power.

• The initial phase of the work will bring up the first SMR by 2030, with subsequent deployments continuing through 2035.

• The deal will provide 500 MW of carbon-free power to the U.S. electricity grid.

Why Nuclear Energy?

• Google sees nuclear energy as clean, available round-the-clock, and carbon-free.

• Google sees next-generation nuclear reactors as a way to power global data centres and its offices with clean energy.

Companies Partnering with Nuclear Reactor Makers

• Microsoft and Constellation signed a 20-year power purchase agreement to launch the Crane Clean Energy Center (CCEC) and restart the Three Mile Island Unit 1.

• Amazon has signed three new agreements to support nuclear energy projects, such as the construction of SMRs.

• OpenAI CEO Sam Altman backed the nuclear startup Oklo, which aims to build a commercial microreactor in Idaho and have it operational in 2027.

Is Nuclear Energy Truly Clean?

• Nuclear energy has a serious reputation problem due to public memory of past accidents and crises.

• Environmental groups are actively protesting nuclear energy and its presentation as “clean.”

• SMRs have potentially lower building and operational costs and can function in areas unable to withstand larger or older nuclear power plants.

The U.S. Government’s Stance on Nuclear Energy

• The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy highlights the importance of re-establishing the U.S. as a nuclear leader to stay ahead of China and Russia.