Google partners with Elementl on plans to build US sites to house nuclear power reactors

Tech giant Google is expanding its nuclear energy plans by providing early-stage capital for Elementl Power to prepare three potential sites in the US to house advanced nuclear power reactors.

The companies have signed a strategic agreement to accelerate the development of clean, reliable energy through the reactors, which would each have at least 600 megawatts of capacity.

Google will have the option to buy the power once the sites are up and running.

‘Technology agnostic’

Founded in 2022 as a nuclear power project developer, Elementl is currently “technology agnostic”.

This means it is yet to decide on the type of reactor it will choose, instead opting for whatever technology is furthest along in its development at the time its sites are ready for construction.

While Elementl did not disclose the value of Google’s investment, it did confirm it would use the funds to support site permitting, secure interconnection rights to the power grid and on other items needed to advance construction.

The company expects the strategic agreement will accelerate’s goal of bringing at least 10 gigawatts of clean energy online in the US by 2035.

Energy boost

Silicon Valley giants have been teaming up with nuclear developers in recent times to boost the energy supply for massive data centres that power AI models.

Google’s global head of data centre energy Amanda Peterson Corio said the agreement with Elementl was the latest example of a collaboration for the purpose of meeting the burgeoning demand.

“Google is committed to catalysing projects that strengthen the power grids where we operate and advanced nuclear technology provides reliable, baseload, 24/7 energy,” she said.

“Our collaboration with Elementl enhances our ability to move at the speed required to meet this moment of AI and American innovation.”

Ongoing collaboration

Elementl chief executive officer Chris Colbert said the company would continue to work with Google to identify and advance new projects.

“Innovative partnerships like this are necessary to mobilise the capital required to build new nuclear projects, which are critical to deliver safe, affordable and clean baseload power and help companies like ours to advance their long-term net zero goals,” he said.

“We look forward to working with Google to execute these projects and bring safe, carbon-free, baseload electricity to the grid.”

Mr Colbert said Elementl planned to raise capital from other sources as it moves closer to building its nuclear projects.