Landmark Deal Google just inked a major nuclear energy deal focused on powering AI efforts without destroying the planet in the process. On Monday, Google announced a landmark agreement with nuclear startup Kairos Power to purchase energy produced by seven yet-to-be-built small modular nuclear reactors. The companies claim the deal aims to add upwards of 500 megawatts “of new 24/7 carbon-free power to US electricity grids” — that is, over a decade from now when Kairos promises the reactors will be built. AI is an incredibly energy-intensive technology. And though its makers often trumpet AI’s promise as a climate crisis-solving innovation, the AI industry’s massive reliance on nonrenewable sources to power the energy-guzzling tech has caused companies including Google and Microsoft to miss important climate targets. Google and Kairos are touting the renewable energy deal as a win for overall tech sustainability and, most importantly, sustainable AI development. “This agreement helps accelerate a new technology to meet energy needs cleanly and reliably,” wrote Michael Terrell, Google’s senior director for energy and climate, in a company blog post, “and unlock the full potential of AI for everyone.” Big Promises In the announcement, Google and Kairos claim that the first of the modular nuclear power terminals will be up and running by 2030, with all modules completed by 2035. As Bloomberg reported in May, Google stopped mass-buying carbon offset tokens this year amid its emissions-intensive AI efforts, and as a result, no longer claims to be carbon neutral. The tech giant is…Yet Another Tech Giant Throws Its Weight Behind Nuclear As AI's Monstrous Power Demands Spike