AI race: Google just made its big move to power the next era of growth AI. It has recently entered an historic deal with Kairos Power, a company which is developing smaller scale nuclear power stations. These aren’t the giant compressor structures one might see in movies or TV shows. They are small-sized, risk-proof and meant to fuel the future of Artificial intelligence.
Why AI Needs Nuclear Power
You could be asking yourself, why does AI require so much power? AI is taking over everything, from healthcare to entertainment, and now it seems tech giants are struggling to find enough energy to keep those data centers running. Fun fact: these data centers currently use about 3% of the globe’s power and this is likely to grow in future with advancement of Artificial Intelligence.
Small nuclear reactors, which also are referred to as small modular reactors (SMRs). These reactors are meant to produce approximately 500 megawatts capacity — enough to power Google’s AI endeavors.
The Google-Kairos Partnership
According to the deal, Kairos Power, a start-up nuclear reactor firm from California established in 2016, will design seven small reactors. Google is behind the project as an actual customer that also comprehensively grasps the opportunities of this innovative application.
As Mike Laufer, CEO of Kairos Power, noted, having Google on its side will help his company to progress more rapidly.
Why Nuclear Power?
You may be thinking, Seriously, though, isn’t that…rather dangerous?” Well, not these reactors. Small modular reactors are regarded as being more efficient, cleaner and safer than currently operational nuclear power plants.
This will have to change, as Michael Terrell, Google’s senior director of energy and climate, noted, “The grid needs new electricity sources to support AI technologies that are powering major scientific advances.” In short, if we want AI to continue improving, there must be a clean dependable source or energy to fuel it.
Tech Giants Love Nuclear
Notably, Google is not the only technology firm to begin focusing on nuclear power. Two of the major players in the high technology market, Microsoft and Amazon have also followed suites. And, only a month ago, Microsoft purchased a license to revive a nuclear reactor in Pennsylvania. Amazon, not wanting to be left out of the game, signed an agreement with the help of which the company’s data centers would be supplied by a nuclear plant. It appears that the energy that has become dear to tech companies.
The Future of AI and Energy
This push towards nuclear power is not just to keep some tech companies afloat — it is about the future of what power even is. Though coal and gas are cheaper and more efficient than the newest sources of energy yet they are injurious to the environment and inadequate in meeting the demand. The seemingly inexhaustible list of AI implemented activities from voice recognition software to diagnostic discoveries cannot happen without steady power.
Small nuclear reactors are relatively novel technology, with only several units in operation at the present time. But they have humongous potential. Professionals estimate that they may change the way electricity is produced not only for AI but also for cities, industries, and interplanetary stations.
Wrapping It Up
In the end, Google’s partnership with Kairos Power is more than just a business deal. It’s a step toward a future where AI can thrive without wrecking the planet in the process. By 2030, when that first small nuclear reactor comes online, Google will be fueling its AI with clean, reliable energy.
