At Data Center World 2025 in Washington, D.C., Google announced exciting plans to harness nuclear energy for its data centers. Lucia Tian, who leads clean energy initiatives at Google, shared details about their collaboration with Kairos Power. Together, they aim to generate up to 500 megawatts (MW) using small modular reactors (SMRs). This project is supported by a $300 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and looks to roll out initial operations by 2030, with further developments by 2035.
“The demand for energy to power AI-driven data centers is skyrocketing,” Tian said. “We’re committed to running on clean energy around the clock, every day of the year.” Google has relied heavily on wind and solar energy in the past, but the surge in power needs for new AI technologies demands a broader energy strategy. Nuclear energy and geothermal power have now joined the mix.
It typically takes years, often a decade, to see a new large-scale nuclear plant come online. SMRs present a faster alternative. The first units should be operational by the end of the decade.
Tian also noted a significant shift in public perception towards nuclear energy. Just two years ago, the focus was on decommissioning plants, but now facilities like Palisades in Michigan and Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania are being brought back to life. “In places where nuclear energy is a reality, support from communities is strong,” she explained. However, she acknowledged that not all areas are as accepting of nuclear energy, and it’s crucial to respect local sentiments.
Collaboration is key to developing these nuclear assets. Google excels in IT, but the world of energy generation is different. That’s where the partnership with Kairos Power comes in. Jeff Olson, vice president of business development and finance at Kairos Power, highlighted that Google is critical in revitalizing the nuclear sector in the U.S. His company is focused on a 150 MW reactor design, with plans to link several of these units for higher output.
Initial designs are undergoing rigorous testing, and once validation is complete, a full-size reactor will move toward commercialization. “We thought our first customers would be utilities, but Google’s enthusiasm has changed that,” Olson said.
Initially, 150 MW seemed sufficient for data centers, but with clients like Google pushing for 1 gigawatt (GW) capacity, Kairos Power is looking to scale up by grouping multiple units together. “Deploying more units means better economies of scale,” Olson added. “The data center industry is driving innovation in nuclear technology, fueled by growing AI demands.”
