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Snapshot 6:Tue, Oct 15, 2024 8:48:05 PM GMT last edited by KateHennig

Google Links up With Nuclear Power Firm to Fuel AI Data Centers

Google TiesLinks up With Nuclear Power FirmsFirm to Fuel AI Data CentresCenters

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The Facts

  • 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.On Monday, Google announced a deal with California-based Kairos Power to use small nuclear reactors to fuel its artificial intelligence (AI) data centers by 2030.

  • 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.Michael Terrell, Google's Senior Director of Energy and Climate, said the deal will add 500 megawatts of "carbon-free power" from up to seven reactors to US power grids.

  • 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.Terrell said Google is looking to commercialize a portfolio of advanced clean electricity technology to achieve 24/7 carbon-free energy and its net-zero goals.


The Spin

TheThis Google-Kairos deal signals a pivotal shift in the tech industry's approach to energy. As AI's computing needs skyrocket, this partnership represents a strategic bet on nuclear energy's potential to provide the reliable, carbon-free power necessary to fuel technological advancement. This bold initiative could pave the way for a new era of sustainable AI development, potentially revolutionizing the global energy landscape.


TheThis Google-Kairosdevelopment 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. Google's decision could set a dangerous precedent, prioritizing technological advancement over long-term environmental and safety considerations.



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