Google has signed a landmark nuclear deal with Kairos Power and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), marking a historic step toward clean, reliable energy for its AI‑powered data centers. This unprecedented agreement merges cutting‑edge nuclear technology with tech giant energy needs to fuel its data hubs in Tennessee and Alabama, reflecting Google’s commitment to carbon‑free infrastructure and innovation.
This Google nuclear deal sets the stage for the first U.S. power purchase agreement involving a Generation IV small modular reactor. By securing electricity from the Hermes 2 reactor, Google demonstrates leadership in sustainable infrastructure while reinforcing the evolving role of advanced nuclear energy in powering digital expansion.
Google’s Ambitious Nuclear Partnership
The Google nuclear deal places Oak Ridge, Tennessee, at the forefront of nuclear innovation. Under the agreement, TVA will purchase up to 50 megawatts from Kairos Power’s advanced Hermes 2 small modular reactor, an unprecedented move for a U.S. utility to source power from Generation IV nuclear technology.
This Google nuclear deal extends beyond powering machines; it supports Google’s climate goals by granting clean energy attributes that offset the carbon footprint of its high-demand AI operations in data centers. The reactor will serve Google’s facilities in Montgomery County, Tennessee, and Jackson County, Alabama.
Engineering the Future: Hermes 2 and Advanced Nuclear Power
Kairos Power’s Hermes 2 reactor stands out for its innovative design using molten fluoride salt as a coolant instead of water. This allows operation at low pressure, reducing structural complexity and costs while providing stable, round-the-clock energy resources.
Originally planned at 28 MW, the plant’s capacity is now scaled up to 50 MW to expedite deployment and meet rising electricity demand. Operations are expected to begin by 2030, aligning with Google’s broader initiative to deploy up to 500 MW of advanced nuclear capacity by 2035.
Strategic Alignment Between Tech and Clean Energy
This Google nuclear deal exemplifies how energy and tech sectors can align strategically. Google and Kairos assume the financial risks of plant development, including high upfront costs and overruns, while TVA secures the electricity supply via a predictable power purchase agreement.
TVA benefits by becoming the first U.S. utility to integrate a Generation IV nuclear plant, reinforcing energy security and supporting clean energy growth. Google, meanwhile, gains the clean power needed to sustain its AI-driven load growth in data centers, bolstering its decarbonization goals.
Impacts on Google Stock and the Energy Sector
News of the Google nuclear deal has implications beyond energy strategy; it may catch investors’ attention. As Google secures new clean-tech infrastructure, analysts and markets could view the move as a forward-looking investment, potentially influencing Google stock sentiment and valuation.
This solar-age pivot into nuclear energy also signals broader industry momentum toward advanced nuclear solutions. Tech-driven clean energy demand can spur innovation and scale, laying the groundwork that other nuclear startups and public utilities can build upon.
A Clean Energy Milestone
With this Google nuclear deal, the future of energy meets the demands of AI and digital infrastructure. By investing in Generation IV nuclear power, Google reinforces its commitment to sustainable, reliable energy while helping reboot U.S. nuclear innovation.
As Hermes 2 progresses toward operation in 2030 and the push toward 500 MW gains momentum, Google, Kairos, and TVA are shaping a cleaner, smarter energy landscape, one where Google’s nuclear power plant ventures become models for corporate clean energy leadership.
