Google’s Bold Move to Nuclear Energy: SMRs to Power AI and Maritime Decarbonization

Google has announced a groundbreaking agreement to purchase power from small modular reactors (SMRs), marking a significant shift toward nuclear energy. This deal, the first of its kind, highlights nuclear power’s growing role in meeting rising energy demands, especially for AI.

Partnering with Kairos Power, Google plans to have its first SMR operational by 2030, aiming to add 500 MW of carbon-free energy to the US grid by 2035. SMRs are attractive due to their smaller, modular design, offering faster deployment and reduced costs, making them a promising clean energy solution.

Beyond tech, the maritime industry is also exploring nuclear power as a way to decarbonize shipping. Studies by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Lloyd’s Register have examined using nuclear reactors to power ships, which could potentially eliminate CO₂ emissions and increase efficiency. Both sectors, while facing regulatory challenges, are pushing forward with nuclear technology as a key strategy for reducing emissions and achieving sustainability goals.

Nuclear energy’s reliability, combined with its ability to generate constant, carbon-free power, makes it an essential partner for renewable energy. Google and the maritime sector’s embrace of SMRs could set a precedent for other industries to adopt advanced nuclear technologies, supporting both economic growth and environmental goals.