In a groundbreaking move that could reshape the energy landscape in the United States, Kairos Power and Google have inked a Master Plant Development Agreement to deploy a fleet of molten salt nuclear reactors. This partnership marks the first corporate agreement of its kind in the U.S., setting the stage for a 500-MW fleet aimed at powering Google’s data centers by 2035. The initial reactor is slated to be operational by 2030, a timeline that underscores the urgency and ambition behind this initiative.
Kairos Power, based in Alameda, California, has positioned itself as a frontrunner in the burgeoning advanced nuclear market. Their fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature reactor (KP-FHR) technology is designed not only to generate power but also to do so with enhanced safety and efficiency. Jeff Olson, vice president of Kairos Power Business Development & Finance, emphasized that this multi-plant agreement is vital for accelerating the commercialization of advanced nuclear energy, which is critical for decarbonizing power grids. The agreement provides Kairos with a robust customer demand signal from Google, reinforcing the company’s commitment to scaling its operations and investing in innovative energy solutions.
For Google, this partnership is a clear signal of confidence in nuclear energy’s potential to meet the surging energy demands of its data centers. Michael Terrell, Google’s Senior Director of Energy and Climate, highlighted the company’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions and 24/7 carbon-free energy. With an existing portfolio of 115 agreements for 14 GW of renewable capacity, Google is not just dabbling in renewables; it’s actively seeking to catalyze new nuclear developments that align with its sustainability goals.
The innovative molten salt technology being developed by Kairos is central to this agreement. The company is employing a “rapid iterative” development approach that includes hardware demonstrations and in-house manufacturing. This method aims to disrupt traditional cost structures and provide cost certainty for commercialization. The ongoing construction of the Hermes reactor in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is a testament to this strategy. When it comes online in 2027, it will be Kairos’ first nuclear build and a significant milestone in the company’s journey.
Moreover, the partnership with Google adds another layer of certainty to Kairos’ development process, which has already seen significant regulatory milestones. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) recently granted Kairos a construction permit for the Hermes reactor, marking a significant step forward in the approval of non-water-cooled reactors in the U.S. The agreement incorporates a milestone-based accountability process, ensuring that both parties remain aligned in their objectives.
Google’s commitment to sustainability is not merely a corporate responsibility; it’s a core tenet of its operational strategy. The tech giant recognizes that while its previous efforts in renewable energy have been fruitful, they also face limitations. The variability of solar and wind energy necessitates the inclusion of other technologies that can deliver reliable, clean power. This partnership with Kairos is a step toward diversifying Google’s energy portfolio and ensuring a stable supply of carbon-free energy.
As the energy sector grapples with the challenges of climate change and the need for reliable power sources, this agreement could serve as a blueprint for future corporate partnerships in nuclear energy. By breaking down barriers and demonstrating the viability of advanced nuclear technology, Kairos and Google are not just investing in their own futures; they are paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape that could benefit communities across the U.S. and beyond.
