In a bold move to power its next-generation data centers with carbon-free energy, Google has thrown its weight behind a groundbreaking initiative to accelerate the siting and deployment of advanced nuclear reactors. The tech giant is eyeing a future 600-megawatt (MW) data center project that would rely on nuclear energy to meet its massive electricity demands while aligning with its ambitious climate goals.
The push, announced Wednesday, marks one of the first times a major corporation has openly advocated for streamlined nuclear regulatory processes to support its infrastructure. Google’s proposal hinges on partnering with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and nuclear innovators to fast-track site evaluations for small modular reactors (SMRs) or other advanced nuclear technologies. The company argues that without nuclear power, achieving 24/7 clean energy for energy-hungry data centers—which underpin everything from cloud computing to AI—will remain “mathematically impossible.”
“Data centers are the backbone of the digital economy, but their energy needs are growing exponentially,” said Google’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Karen Lee, in a statement. “To meet our 2030 net-zero targets, we need clean energy sources that are both scalable and reliable. Nuclear isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity.”
A New Playbook for Nuclear Collaboration
Central to the effort is a partnership with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and energy startup Elementl Power, which aims to revolutionize how nuclear sites are selected and approved. The collaboration, detailed in a recent DOE announcement, leverages Oak Ridge’s expertise in nuclear engineering and Elementl’s AI-driven geospatial analytics to identify optimal locations for reactors while minimizing environmental and community impact. Traditional nuclear siting processes can take a decade or more, but the team believes they can slash that timeline by 50% or more.
“We’re merging decades of nuclear research with cutting-edge machine learning,” said Dr. Emily Torres, a lead researcher at Oak Ridge. “By analyzing factors like grid connectivity, water access, seismic risks, and population density in real time, we can pinpoint viable sites faster and with greater precision.”
Why Nuclear? The Data Center Dilemma
Google’s 600 MW data center proposal would require enough electricity to power nearly 500,000 homes—a staggering load that renewables alone struggle to meet consistently. While the company has invested heavily in wind and solar, executives acknowledge these sources can’t yet provide the “always-on” power required for data centers, especially as AI workloads skyrocket.
Advanced nuclear reactors, which are smaller and safer than traditional plants, offer a solution. SMRs can be built adjacent to data centers, reducing transmission losses and providing a steady energy supply. The DOE has already identified at least five potential reactor designs that could be operational by the early 2030s, coinciding with Google’s project timeline.
Skepticism and Next Steps
Not all reactions have been positive. Environmental groups, while supportive of clean energy, warn against rushing nuclear approvals. “Safety and community consent can’t be sacrificed for speed,” said Jane Collins of the Climate Action Network. “We need transparency, not shortcuts.”
Google insists its approach prioritizes safety, emphasizing that fast-tracking doesn’t mean bypassing regulations. Instead, the company advocates for modernizing the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) processes, such as adopting digital tools for environmental reviews and standardizing reactor designs to simplify licensing.
The initiative’s success hinges on policy shifts. Google is lobbying Congress to include provisions for nuclear siting reform in upcoming energy bills, and the DOE has earmarked $4 million in funding for the Oak Ridge-Elementl project. If all goes to plan, the 600 MW data center could break ground by 2028—setting a precedent for the tech industry’s energy future.
“This isn’t just about Google,” said Lee. “It’s about proving that the public and private sectors can collaborate to tackle the climate crisis without compromising innovation.”
As debates over nuclear energy’s role in a green economy intensify, one thing is clear: the race to power the AI era is rewriting the rules of energy infrastructure.
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