Google is joining forces with Elementl Power to develop three potential nuclear energy sites in the U.S., aiming to bring significant nuclear capacity online by 2035. This collaboration marks a significant step towards meeting the growing demand for clean, reliable energy and strengthening power grids.
Google’s Nuclear Expansion: A Strategic Investment
Google will provide early-stage capital to Elementl Power to prepare three potential sites in the U.S. for advanced nuclear projects. Each site is projected to have a capacity of at least 600 MW. This investment aligns with Google’s commitment to sourcing 24/7 baseload energy to support its operations. Google will also have the option for commercial off-take once the projects are completed. The specific locations and the investment value have not been disclosed.
Amanda Peterson Corio, Google’s Global Head of Data Center Energy, emphasized Google’s commitment to catalyzing projects that strengthen power grids and provide reliable, baseload energy. She stated that this collaboration with Elementl enhances their ability to meet the demands of AI and American innovation.
Elementl Power: A Technology-Agnostic Approach
Elementl Power, founded in 2022, is an advanced nuclear project developer and independent power producer. The company adopts a “technology-agnostic” approach, meaning it has not yet decided on the specific reactor technology to use. Instead, it will opt for the technology that is most advanced in its development when the sites are ready for construction.
Elementl Power aims to deploy over 10 gigawatts of next-generation nuclear power in the U.S. by 2035. Chris Colbert, Chairman and CEO of Elementl Power, noted that innovative partnerships like this are necessary to mobilize the capital required to build new nuclear projects. These projects are critical for delivering safe, affordable, and clean baseload power and helping companies advance their long-term net-zero goals.
The Drive for Clean, Reliable Energy
This collaboration comes as tech companies face increasing pressure to power their energy-intensive data centers and AI operations with clean energy sources. Nuclear energy is seen as a reliable baseload power source that can provide a stable supply of electricity, unlike intermittent renewable sources such as solar and wind.
Google has previously made investments in nuclear energy, including an agreement with Kairos Power to purchase power from its fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature small modular reactors. The aim of that power purchase agreement was to facilitate Kairos Power to develop, construct, and operate plants and sell energy, ancillary services, and environmental attributes to Google.
Industry Impact and Future Developments
The partnership between Google and Elementl Power is expected to have a significant impact on the nuclear energy industry. It demonstrates a growing interest from the private sector in advanced nuclear technologies and their potential to contribute to a cleaner energy future.
Elementl Power will continue evaluating potential technology, engineering, procurement, and construction partners while prioritizing specific sites for accelerated development. The company will also work with utility and regulated power partners to identify and advance new projects.
