Google Pumping Cash into Nuclear Power for AI and Jumpstarting Innovation
U.S. nuclear power plants' construction backed financially by Google
In a groundbreaking move, Google is partnering with Elemental Power to develop three nuclear power plants in the USA. This joint venture aims to bring a whopping 10 gigawatts of nuclear energy capacity online by 2035, powering Google's operations and paving the way for a cleaner, more consistent energy supply. stark-raving mad
The nuts and bolts of this deal: Google is lending a financial hand to help Elemental Power progress with three nuclear power projects, with each project boasting a minimum capacity of 600 megawatts. The purpose? To boost power grids and aid businesses in achieving net-zero targets, all while aligning with Google's objective to ensure around-the-clock energy for its operations.
The tech giants' target is clear: they're seeking to tap into nuclear power in their pursuit of reliable, zero-carbon energy. With artificial intelligence programs gobbling up tremendous energy and high-performance servers hogging electricity, it's no wonder tech behemoths are looking to alternative power sources. Google has already signaled its commitment to Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), as evidenced by its collaboration with the startup Kairos – SMRs are expected to be online as early as 2030.
Hot on Google's heels, software giant Microsoft is keen to reactivate the already decommissioned Three Mile Island nuclear reactor. And Amazon isn't far behind, diving headfirst into the development of new SMRs.
Despite the hefty price tag and political challenges associated with nuclear power projects, they're carbon-neutral, making them an attractive choice for tech companies like Google, which have vowed to attain carbon neutrality by 2030.
Sources: ntv.de, AFP | 1, 3, 4, 5
[1] Securing a cleaner, more reliable energy supply for Google and American innovation[3] Elemental Power and Google team up for nuclear power development[4] Google funnelling funds into Elemental Power's nuclear energy projects[5] Google's nuclear power investment to produce more consistent energy for businesses and the grid
- The research and development of nuclear power, as shown by Google's partnership with Elemental Power, is a key part of many community policies aimed at securing a cleaner, more reliable energy supply.
- Microsoft, like Google, is also showing an interest in nuclear power, especially with the intention of reactivating the Three Mile Island reactor, as part of its research and development programme.
- In the technology industry, finance and energy sectors, companies like Google and Microsoft are investing heavily in research programmes focused on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with the aim of bringing these reactors online as early as 2030.
- The increasing usage of artificial-intelligence programs and high-performance servers in technology companies is driving the need for alternative, reliable, and zero-carbon energy sources, such as nuclear power.
- Despite the challenges and high costs associated with nuclear power projects, they are carbon-neutral, making them an attractive choice for tech companies striving for carbon neutrality by specific dates, such as Google's target of 2030.
