In a groundbreaking move, Google has inked the world's first corporate agreement to purchase nuclear energy from small modular reactors (SMRs) developed by Kairos Power. This marks a significant step in Google's ongoing efforts to develop and commercialise a broad portfolio of advanced clean electricity technologies to power its global data centres and offices.

The initial phase of the project aims to bring Kairos Power's first SMR online by 2030, with additional reactor deployments planned through 2035. The deal could potentially provide up to 500 MW of new 24/7 carbon-free power to U.S. electricity grids.

Advanced nuclear reactors offer a new pathway to accelerate nuclear deployment due to their simplified design and inherent safety. Investing in advanced nuclear technology can provide direct economic benefits to communities across the U.S. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), nuclear power has the highest economic impact of any power generation source.

Kairos Power's technology utilises a molten-salt cooling system, combined with a ceramic, pebble-type fuel, to efficiently transport heat to a steam turbine to generate power. The company has already reached several technical milestones towards deploying its first power-producing reactor and unlocking the path to long-term commercial scale.

By procuring electricity from multiple reactors, Google will help accelerate the repeated reactor deployments that are needed to lower costs and bring Kairos Power's technology to market more quickly. This move is part of Google's broader strategy to invest in a diverse portfolio of advanced clean energy technologies to meet its ambitious sustainability goals.

The agreement with Kairos Power is a significant step towards Google's commitment to operate on 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030. It also aligns with the tech giant's strategy to invest in technologies that can provide reliable, affordable, and carbon-free electricity to power its operations and contribute to grid decarbonisation.

This deal represents a significant milestone in the commercialisation of advanced nuclear technologies and highlights the potential of SMRs to contribute to the decarbonisation of the electricity sector. It also underscores the role of corporate power purchase agreements in driving the deployment of new clean energy technologies.

The agreement between Google and Kairos Power is a clear indication of the growing interest in advanced nuclear technologies as a viable solution to meet the increasing demand for clean, reliable, and affordable electricity. It also signals the potential for advanced nuclear technologies to play a crucial role in achieving net-zero emissions targets and addressing the global climate crisis.