I worked at Google for 7 years and watched the open culture die. The company is doomed to repeat unnecessary embarrassment if they don't fix it.
Business InsiderFEB 26 2024
Google Monday announced signing a deal with California-based Kairos Power to use — beginning this decade — small nuclear reactors to fuel its AI data centres.Google Monday announced signing a deal with California-based Kairos Power to use — beginning by 2030 — small nuclear reactors to fuel its AI data centres.
The shift began after the controversial James Damore memo in 2017, which questioned Google's diversity practices and led to his termination, marking a departure from the company's tradition of open dialogue.Michael Terrell, Google's Senior Director of Energy and Climate, said the deal will add 500 MW of "carbon-free power" from 6-7 reactors to US power grids.
CEO Sundar Pichai effectively ended the weekly TGIF meetings in 2019, reducing opportunities for employees to ask live questions and receive direct answers from leadership.The "orderbook" framework of the Google-Kairos deal is reportedly intended to indicate a demand signal to the market, paving the path for long-term investments.
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The Google-Kairos deal reveals a troubling trajectory in the tech industry's pursuit of AI dominance. It signifies an alarming willingness to embrace potentially hazardous energy sources to fuel the insatiable appetite of AI systems. Tech giants are turning to nuclear power despite its inherent risks and controversial history. It not only raises safety concerns but also highlights the unsustainable energy consumption of AI development. Google's decision could set a dangerous precedent, prioritizing technological advancement over long-term environmental and safety considerations.