The American Internet company claims that the agreement with Kairos Power will allow the first reactor to be put into use this decade. By 2035, additional reactors will be commissioned. Although the details regarding the specific amount of the transaction or the exact locations of the power plants remain unknown, it is a step that can fundamentally change the shape of the energy market.
“The grid needs new and reliable sources of electricity that will be able to support demanding artificial intelligence technologies,” he said according to BBC server Michael Terrell, director of energy and climate at Google.
At the same time, he emphasized how important the agreement with Kairos Power is for the future of AI. “It accelerates the deployment of new technology that will cleanly and safely meet our growing energy needs while allowing us to unlock the full potential of artificial intelligence for the world,” added Terrel.
They want to split Google
Internet a PC
Not only calculations, but also server cooling
TechTarget industry analyst John Moore said that data centers — especially those designed to run artificial intelligence — need enormous amounts of electricity not only for the calculations themselves, but also for cooling the servers.
“These servers are equipped with specialized hardware that requires a lot of power and generates a lot of heat. Cooling these devices is therefore key,” added Moore.
“This project is important not only for Google, but for the entire industry. It will demonstrate the technical and market viability of solutions that are essential for the decarbonisation of energy networks. Nuclear power is proving to be an increasingly attractive source of electricity for industries seeking to reduce their emissions,” said Jeff Olson, CEO of Kairos Power.
According to him, the agreement with Google will contribute to the “commercialization of advanced nuclear energy”. He therefore expects that other companies will also be interested in using nuclear energy.
The regulatory commission will decide
Despite the enthusiasm from both companies, however, the plans are subject to strict regulatory processes. The agreement must be approved by both the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission and local agencies in the areas where reactor construction is planned. Approval processes can take months, if not years, and will require strict safety and environmental standards.
Kairos Power already reached a major milestone last year when US regulators granted it the first permit in fifty years to build a new type of nuclear reactor.
This reactor is specific in that instead of water, which is traditionally used in nuclear power plants, it uses molten fluoride salt as a coolant, which increases the safety of the reactor as well as its efficiency. In July of last year, the company began construction of a demonstration reactor in Tennessee.
Microsoft i Amazon
Google isn’t the only tech company turning to nuclear power. Last month, Microsoft struck a deal to restart operations at the Three Mile Island plant, the site of the worst nuclear accident in US history in 1979. Microsoft sees an opportunity here to use existing infrastructure for a new generation of nuclear technology.
Similarly, Amazon announced plans to buy a nuclear-powered data center in Pennsylvania in March of this year.
The servers operated underwater for several years. It’s the future, says Microsoft
Hardware
Google’s Nuclear Ambitions: A Shocking Turn in Technology
Well, folks, it seems Google isn’t just putting all its eggs in one basket anymore—they’re bringing some reactors into the mix! That’s right, the American internet giant has teamed up with Kairos Power, promising us that by the end of the decade, we’ll see their first nuclear reactor springing to life, just like your grandma after her afternoon tea. By 2035, we’ll even have more reactors popping up like weeds—though, let’s hope they don’t spread quite as fast!
Now, I know what you’re thinking: just what we need—more technology to tickle our curiosities and perhaps a little bit of danger to keep us on our toes! But according to Michael Terrell, Google’s director of energy and climate, this is vital for our future. He claims that we need to support our hungry AI technologies with reliable sources of electricity. He didn’t specify whether the electricity would be generated by oiled-up Geordie lads hard at work, but one can dream!
The Quantum Realm of Energy
Terrell went on to emphasize how this agreement might just be the pot of gold at the end of the nuclear rainbow. He asserted it would “accelerate the deployment of new technology that will cleanly and safely meet our growing energy needs.” So, in simple terms, we’re talking about electricity that doesn’t come with a carbon footprint the size of Bigfoot himself. It’s a win-win—unless you’re a coal miner, of course. Sorry, lads!
Cooling Off with a Twist
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty with John Moore from TechTarget. He informs us that these new whiz-bang data centers—especially those powered by AI—are like teenagers in a candy shop when it comes to electricity. They guzzle it down at an alarming rate, and with all that power usage, they’re producing more heat than a sauna full of hippos. Cooling those servers isn’t just for fun—it’s essential, darling!
Jeff Olson, the CEO of Kairos Power, seems to be riding high on this wave of nuclear enthusiasm. He believes this project isn’t only significant for Google, but for the entire industry. His quote was so upbeat I half-expected him to break out into song. He’s convinced that nuclear energy, once shunned like an awkward dance partner at a wedding, is now stepping up as a hero in the battle against emissions. Go figure!
Regulatory Rollercoaster
But before we all start pulling out our party hats and thinking of how to juice up those reactors, hold your horses! The plans still require the green light from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Picture a bunch of suits poring over paperwork, coffee in hand, and debating the finer points of safety regulations. It’s going to be a long process—months, maybe even years—so don’t trade your gas bills for nuclear ones just yet!
You might be wondering what’s special about this new reactor. Well, instead of old-school water cooling, they’re using molten fluoride salt. Yes, you heard me right—salt! Talk about seasoning your energy! It’s not just a clever name; this innovation boosts efficiency and safety, and that’s something worth savoring. On a related note, if anyone’s interested, I have a lovely recipe for a nuclear casserole.
Joining the Nuclear Party
And Google isn’t flying solo on this expedition into the nuclear domain. Microsoft has also dusted off its history books and decided to rekindle the flame with the infamous Three Mile Island plant. Ah, nothing like some nostalgia, right? And to round off this star-studded party, Amazon jumped on board by announcing plans to buy a nuclear-powered data center. Not everyone can call their data centers “nuclear-powered,” right? It’s like inviting everyone to your birthday party and then sending your best mate the invite that says, “bring a cake, but it’s got to be six layers high and filled with the stuff dreams are made of.”
The Future of Computing: Underwater Servers?
So, what’s next in the world of tech? Microsoft seems to think servers could one day operate underwater… yes, you heard that right! It sounds like a plot twist straight out of a sci-fi film. But hey, if that can keep those servers cool without turning into melted puddles, I’m all in!
To wrap it up, folks, we’re looking at an electrifying future—literally. Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are jumping into nuclear energy with both feet, promising advancements that could change how we power our digital world. Just remember, it’s all fun and games until someone accidentally stirs the salt in a nuclear reaction!
