Google's Nuclear Energy Agreement with Kairos Power

Google’s Nuclear Energy Agreement with Kairos Power

Google has signed its first-ever corporate agreement to purchase nuclear energy from multiple small modular reactors (SMRs) that will be developed by Kairos Power.

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Google’s First Corporate Nuclear Energy Deal

Google has been an industry leader in clean energy, with its first 20-year wind farm power purchase agreement (PPA) dating back to 2010.
The company is seeking alternative energy sources like nuclear due to challenges in renewable energy such as intermittency and storage limitations.
The agreement involves purchasing energy from small modular reactors (SMRs) developed by Kairos Power, a California-based company.
This initiative aims to power Google’s artificial intelligence (AI) data centres with clean & reliable nuclear energy.

Did You Know

Nuclear fission: It is a process in which the nucleus of an atom is split into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the process.
- This process is used in nuclear power plants to generate electricity.
- E.g. Reaction that occurs in a nuclear reactor when uranium atoms are split into smaller atoms.
Nuclear fusion: It is a process in which two or more atomic nuclei come together to form a single, more massive nucleus, releasing a large amount of energy in the process.
- This process occurs naturally in stars, including the Sun.
- E.g. Reaction that occurs in a hydrogen bomb.

What are SMR’s?

SMR’s are:
- Small: A fraction of the size of a conventional nuclear power reactor.
- Modular: Systems and components to be factory-assembled and transported as a unit to a location for installation.
- Reactors: Harnessing nuclear fission to generate heat to produce energy.
Power capacity: Up to 300 MW(e) per unit, which is about one-third of the generating capacity of nuclear power reactor
Key features and benefits of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
- Size and Portability: SMRs are smaller and more compact than conventional reactors, allowing for easier transport, installation and scalability.
- Enhanced Safety Features: SMRs incorporate advanced safety features to ensure the protection of the public and the environment. These features include passive cooling systems, advanced control mechanisms, and robust containment structures.
- Flexibility and Grid Resilience: Their smaller size and modular nature make them suitable for deployment in remote areas or as a supplement to existing power grids, enhancing grid resilience.
- Reduced Capital Costs: The modular design of SMRs allows for standardised manufacturing processes, potentially reducing construction costs.
- Potential for Decentralization: SMRs offer the potential for decentralised power generation, allowing communities or industries to have their own local sources of electricity.
- Integration with Renewable Energy: SMRs can complement renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, by providing baseload power and maintaining grid stability during periods of low renewable generation.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

It is an autonomous international organisation (established in 1957) within the United Nations system.
It seeks to maximise the contribution of nuclear technology to society while verifying its peaceful use.
Member States: 175 ( India has been a member since its inception.)
Headquarter: Vienna, Austria.