Google has entered into a partnership with Elementl Power aimed at developing advanced nuclear reactors across three new sites. This strategic move is tied to Google’s increasing energy requirements, driven by a dramatic surge in power usage at its data centers due to expanding artificial intelligence initiatives. Just this year, Google is on track to invest approximately $75 billion to bolster its data center infrastructure.
Under this agreement, each of the three nuclear sites will supply at least 600 megawatts of generating capacity. Elementl stated that the reactors will be connected to the electrical grid and also noted the possibility of direct commercial power purchases by Google itself.
Elementl Power, previously operating discreetly until this announcement, has assembled a team with considerable nuclear industry expertise, although it has yet to complete construction of any reactors. The firm, established by Breakwater North and supported financially by Energy Impact Partners, emphasized that it is taking a “technology agnostic” stance. As a result, Elementl has not yet selected which specific small modular reactor (SMR) technology will be utilized for the projects. However, industry observers speculate Kairos Power is a likely candidate, given its existing collaboration with Google.
Kairos, which has a demonstration reactor of 50 megawatts planned, intends eventually to construct a commercial facility delivering up to 150 megawatts provided through two reactor units.
Interest in small modular reactors has escalated markedly within Silicon Valley, as technology firms seek reliable, continuous electricity to power data centers located near the reactors themselves. Proponents of SMRs claim these reactors’ smaller size could lower manufacturing costs through large-scale, standardized production methods. Such advantages have inspired tech companies, notably Google and others, to sign various agreements with emerging firms in the nuclear energy sector, including Oklo, X-Energy, and Kairos.
Despite intense interest and promising announcements, no small modular reactor has yet been constructed beyond pilot projects in China. NuScale, one of the leading startups in this sector in the United States, came close to building an SMR before encountering significant budgetary setbacks. In 2023, their partner utility canceled its participation after projected costs surged dramatically—more than doubling—even amid attempts to scale down the project to manage expenses.
