Google Links up With Nuclear Power Firm to Fuel AI Data Centers

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Facts

  • On Monday, Google announced a deal with California-based Kairos Power to use small nuclear reactors to fuel its artificial intelligence (AI) data centers by 2030.[1]
  • Michael Terrell, Google's Senior Director of Energy and Climate, said the deal will add 500 megawatts of 'carbon-free power' from up to seven reactors to US power grids.[2][3]
  • Terrell said Google is looking to commercialize a portfolio of advanced clean electricity technology to achieve 24/7 carbon-free energy and its net-zero goals.[2]
  • Google didn't reveal the financials of the deal for Kairos's small modular reactors (SMRs). It's also unclear where the new plants will be built.[4][5]
  • Technology firms' data centers reportedly consume around 3% of the power produced in the world today. The advent of AI is expected to intensify consumption.[6]
  • The deal — which follows similar moves from Amazon and Microsoft — is pending approval from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission and local regulators.[5]

Sources: [1]BBC News (a), [2]Google, [3]Reuters, [4]CNBC, [5]BBC News (b) and [6]Al Jazeera.

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by ScienceAlert. This deal signals a pivotal shift in the tech industry's approach to energy. As AI's computing needs skyrocket, this partnership represents a strategic bet on nuclear energy's potential to provide the reliable, carbon-free power necessary to fuel technological advancement. This bold initiative could pave the way for a new era of sustainable AI development, potentially revolutionizing the global energy landscape.
  • Narrative B, as provided by Yahoo Finance. This development reveals a troubling trajectory in the tech industry's pursuit of AI dominance. It signifies an alarming willingness to embrace potentially hazardous energy sources to fuel the insatiable appetite of AI systems. Tech giants are turning to nuclear power despite its inherent risks and controversial history. Google's decision could set a dangerous precedent, prioritizing technological advancement over long-term environmental and safety considerations.

Predictions