Google wants to use nuclear energy to power data centers
What's the story
In a bid to meet the rising demand for electricity driven by the AI boom, Google is actively looking at nuclear power as a potential energy source for its data centers.
The tech giant is working with utilities in the US and other countries to explore the possibility, Amanda Peterson Corio, Google's global head of data center energy, told Reuters.
Market approach
Strategy in regulated markets
Corio explained Google's strategy in markets with stringent regulations, where direct power purchase isn't an option.
"We are working with our utility partners and the generators to come together to figure out how we can bring these new technologies — nuclear may be one of them — to the grid," she said.
This shows how committed Google is to explore innovative energy solutions for its data centers.
Global exploration
Google considers nuclear energy in countries like Japan
Corio didn't rule out the idea of using nuclear energy in nations like Japan. This means Google's consideration of nuclear power as a potential energy source for its data centers, isn't limited to the US alone.
Industry trend
Tech giants turn to nuclear energy for data centers
Google's nuclear power exploration mirrors a wider industry trend.
Tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon are already using nuclear energy as a stable, low-carbon power source to meet the growing electricity demand for their data centers. The move also aims to cut reliance on fossil fuels and emissions.
For example, Microsoft has agreed to buy power from the decommissioned Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Pennsylvania, while Amazon recently purchased a nuclear-powered data center in the same US state.
Energy reliability
Google emphasizes importance of consistent energy supply
Corio stressed the importance of a steady energy supply for Google, saying having 24/7 energy that isn't intermittent is "critically important as we think about long-term growth." It explains why nuclear power is being eyed as a possible solution.