Google and nuclear power developer Elementl Power have announced a collaboration to develop three advanced nuclear reactor projects. As artificial intelligence drives up energy consumption in data centers, Google is accelerating its energy supply plans. This year, Google has committed $75 billion to expand its data centers.
Under the agreement, Google will ensure a minimum development of 600 megawatts of power capacity at each site. Elementl Power, though new to nuclear plant development, brings industry experience and is backed by Breakwater North and Energy Impact Partners. The company maintains a "technology-neutral" approach, yet to decide on a small modular reactor (SMR) partner. Among potential collaborators, Kairos Power is a leading candidate due to its existing agreement with Google.
Kairos Power's demonstration plant is expected to generate 50 megawatts, with a commercial plant comprising two reactors to reach a combined capacity of 150 megawatts. While SMR capacities typically do not exceed 300 megawatts, the new Vogtle nuclear plant in Georgia, USA, boasts a capacity of over 1.1 gigawatts, nearly four times that of a large SMR.
