Google has announced plans to power its data centers with a new nuclear reactor in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. In partnership with startup Kairos Power, the Hermes 2 plant will provide 50 megawatts of electricity to Google under a long-term agreement.
The deal is part of a larger 500-megawatt project that involves multiple small modular reactors (SMRs) to power data centers in two states. The Oak Ridge plant is scheduled to start operations in 2030 and is expected to reach full capacity by 2035.
Google’s investment marks the first corporate deal to buy nuclear power from SMRs, a technology that could play a key role in the future of energy security. The deal was made possible through a partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which will help shoulder the costs and risks associated with developing new nuclear projects.
Source: https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/google-announces-first-nuclear-site-to-power-its-data-centers-162627123.html