Google Signs Nuclear Energy Deal for Carbon-Free Goals

In a groundbreaking move, Google has signed its first nuclear energy deal with Kairos Power, aiming to transition to clean energy while meeting its ambitious carbon-free goals. This agreement, viewed as a significant milestone in Google's 15-year journey towards carbon-free energy, underscores the vital role nuclear energy plays in the company's strategy. The deal represents not just one reactor, but a series called an 'order book', enabling Google to scale up efficiently and manage costs effectively. With a commitment to achieving 24/7 carbon-free energy, Google recognizes that relying solely on wind and solar energy is insufficient due to their intermittent nature. Instead, they are diversifying their energy portfolio to include advanced nuclear, geothermal, and long-duration storage technologies to meet their electricity demands reliably. The company emphasizes the importance of the 'always on' characteristic of nuclear, which can deliver continuous energy crucial for their data centers and offices. As Google pursues its long-term goals, it is pushing for more partnerships in the nuclear domain, reminiscent of its early investments in wind and solar. They aim to create a sustainable energy future while also addressing economic considerations, ensuring that the energy mix remains cost-competitive against traditional sources.