Google orders small modular nuclear reactors for its data centres [1]

On October 14th, 2024, the Financial Times posted the following article regarding Google preparing to deploy Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) to power its data centers, presumably to support their AI initiative as well as overall increased electrical consumption. As of 2024, only Russia and China have successfully built operational SMRs. [Kimball, Spencer; Cortés, Gabriel (7 September 2024). "Small nuclear reactors could power the future — the challenge is building the first one in the U.S." CNBC. Retrieved 21 October 2024.] Several US companies are in the process of developing SMRs at the present time.

The tech group has apparently inked a deal with Kairos Power to build up to 7 small facilities to meet its energy needs. Kairos Power, located in California, appears to be the end result (not necessarily a negative thing) of a consortium of universities and research groups that have been working on this for years. Their Vision Statement on the web site states:

"Growing from a broad research effort at U.S. universities and national laboratories, Kairos Power was founded to accelerate the development of an innovative nuclear technology that has the potential to transform the energy landscape in the United States and internationally.

"Kairos Power is focused on reducing technical risk through a novel approach to test iteration often lacking in the nuclear space. Our schedule is driven by the goal of a U.S. demonstration plant before 2030 and a rapid deployment thereafter. The challenge is great, but so too is the opportunity."

(Company link below)[2]

One has to wonder if Google will operate these SMRs in the same way they manage security and privacy. The alternative will be to outsource the management and operation to a third party (the more likely choice). In this case, one has to wonder if they will perform an acceptable level of due diligence with third party management. In general, company track records of managing third parties have been, shall we say, less than optimal? Think Target, for starters.

[1] Financial Times:

https://www.ft.com/content/29eaf03f-4970-40da-ae7c-c8b3283069da

[2] Kairos Power:

https://kairospower.com/company/