Google and Elementl partner on 1.8 GW nuclear project
Google is doubling down on its commitment to secure long-term, low-carbon energy sources by partnering with nuclear site developer Elementl Power to explore the development of three advanced nuclear reactor sites. The deal is part of the tech giant’s broader push to power its rapidly growing data center footprint—driven by AI development—with clean, reliable electricity.
As part of the agreement, Google plans to add at least 600 megawatts of generating capacity at each site. While the exact timeline and reactor models are yet to be finalized, the arrangement gives Google the option to directly purchase power from the future plants, enabling tighter control over its energy supply and emissions footprint.
Nuclear Power for AI Scale
In 2024, Google is expected to spend $75 billion expanding its data center infrastructure. Much of this expansion is fueled by the intense computational demands of artificial intelligence, which require massive and consistent electricity loads. Traditional renewable energy sources like wind and solar, while clean, lack the round-the-clock reliability needed to support this surge—leading tech companies to look at small modular reactors (SMRs) as a viable alternative.
Unlike conventional reactors that often generate over 1 gigawatt of electricity—such as the newly completed Vogtle Unit 4 in Georgia—SMRs are designed to produce up to 300 megawatts, making them more flexible and potentially faster to deploy. Their compact size also allows them to be located closer to demand centers, like data hubs.
Who Is Elementl Power?
This is the first public project from Elementl Power, a startup that has operated largely in stealth mode until now. Although the company has not yet developed a power plant, its leadership brings experience from across the nuclear industry. Elementl is backed by Energy Impact Partners and was incubated by Breakwater North, a firm known for its focus on early-stage energy infrastructure ventures.
Interestingly, Elementl is taking a "technology-agnostic" approach, meaning it hasn’t committed to any specific reactor design. However, one strong contender is Kairos Power, a company that already has an existing partnership with Google. Kairos aims to demonstrate a 50 MW plant soon, with plans for a 150 MW commercial reactor setup in the near future.
SMRs Attracting Silicon Valley
Google is not alone in its interest in SMRs. Other major players and startups in Silicon Valley, including Oklo and X-Energy, have been exploring modular nuclear technology as a solution for powering large-scale AI and cloud operations. The promise of 24/7 baseload power, easier siting near data centers, and scalable designs has created a boom in interest—even as the technology faces cost and regulatory hurdles.
Yet, to date, no SMR has been successfully deployed outside of China. NuScale, once considered a front-runner in the U.S., experienced a major setback in 2023 when a key utility partner canceled their agreement due to ballooning costs.
Still, Google’s foray into advanced nuclear power through Elementl reflects a growing conviction in tech that clean, reliable power is mission-critical for the AI-driven future. With this deal, Google isn't just betting on innovation in software—it’s investing in the future of energy infrastructure itself.
