Google’s First-of-Its-Kind Nuclear Power Deal To Transform Maritime Industry’s Take On Decarbonization

Google has signed a deal with Kairos Power to get power from small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). The tech giant aims to use this energy to meet the increasing electricity needs of its artificial intelligence (AI) operations.

This is the world’s first corporate deal to acquire power from multiple SMRs, reflecting Google’s ambition for 24/7 carbon-free energy and commitment to net-zero goals.

The deal includes the purchase of 500 megawatts (MW) of power from six to seven advanced reactors, the first of which is expected to be operational by 2030 and the remaining reactors by 2035.

Google’s latest nuclear power deal could have implications that extend beyond the tech industry. The maritime sector considers nuclear energy as a game changer in its decarbonization efforts.

In 2023, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) collaborated with Herbert Engineering (HEC) to conduct a pioneering study on the viability of nuclear propulsion for two types of vessels: a 14,000 TEU containership and a Suezmax tanker.

The study found that retrofitting the containership with two 30MW fast reactors could increase cargo capacity and speed while removing the need for refueling for 25 years.

On the other hand, the Suezmax vessel, equipped with four 5MW microreactors, would achieve faster speeds but have a smaller cargo capacity, requiring only one refueling within 25 years. Both designs produced 0% CO2 emissions.

Meanwhile, Lloyd’s Register (LR) and CORE POWER collaborated with Maersk on a study to assess nuclear-powered container ships. This study addresses the regulatory frameworks and safety measures required to integrate fourth-generation nuclear reactors into the shipping industry.

The study’s findings could significantly impact the future of emissions-free maritime transport, providing guidance to shipping companies on how to include nuclear power in a multi-fuel approach to achieve net-zero emissions.

ABS’s Chairman and CEO, Christopher J. Wiernicki, stated that the potential for nuclear energy in the maritime sector goes beyond individual ship propulsion. ABS announced comprehensive rules for floating nuclear power plants earlier this month.

While the exact financial details and locations of these nuclear plants have not been revealed, Google has said that these SMRs will provide a continuous, round-the-clock supply of clean energy.

Michael Terrell, Google’s Senior Director of Energy and Climate, discussed the importance of nuclear energy in meeting AI-driven power needs while avoiding the use of fossil fuels.

Google’s deal with Kairos Power, in which tech companies are turning to nuclear energy to power their data centers, is estimated to require a massive 47 gigawatts (GW) of new energy capacity by 2030.

Earlier this year, Amazon signed a similar deal for a nuclear-powered data center, while Microsoft made news with its agreement to help revive a unit of the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania.

Kairos Power’s reactors are smaller than traditional nuclear plants, designed for lower construction costs, and built-in factories rather than on-site.

However, the company still faces regulatory issues, including getting permission from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and local authorities.

A spokesperson from the NRC said that the agency is ready to assess new reactor applications efficiently. Kairos already has a permit to build a demonstration reactor in Tennessee.

Google aims to speed up the research and commercialization of SMRs, a technology that offers cleaner, more sustainable power.

Per Mike Laufer, CEO and co-founder of Kairos Power, the agreement allows the company to move quickly through the development process, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget.

The collaboration will likely speed up the use of SMRs, offering a viable alternative to traditional energy sources like natural gas, wind, and solar.

Kairos Power will continue to refine its reactor designs as part of its iterative demonstration strategy, which enables learning and improvement with each new unit.

Google has led clean energy investments, signing over 115 agreements totalling over 14 GW of renewable energy capacity since 2010.

Reference: Reuters, Kairos Power

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Source: Maritime Shipping News