Google has signed a deal to use small nuclear reactors to generate the vast amounts of energy needed to power its artificial intelligence (AI) data centres, the BBC reports.
The first reactor is due online by 2030 in terms of Google’s agreement with Kairos Power. Details of the capital costs or locations of the reactors have not been divulged.
According to the BBC, technology firms are increasingly turning to nuclear sources of energy to supply the electricity used by the huge data centres that drive AI.
Michael Terrell, senior director for energy and climate at Google, is quoted as saying: “The grid needs new electricity sources to support AI technologies.
“This agreement helps accelerate a new technology to meet energy needs cleanly and reliably, and unlock the full potential of AI for everyone.”