Tech Giant Google Bankrolls Three Nuclear Plants To Fuel AI’s Insatiable Power Hunger

Google is funding three nuclear plants with Elementl Power to power its growing AI systems. Each plant will generate at least 600 megawatts of electricity. The tech company needs reliable, carbon-free energy as data centers consume more power than ever before. This move supports Google’s goal to reach net zero emissions by 2030. The partnership raises questions about the future relationship between tech giants and energy production.

Several tech companies are racing to secure clean energy sources, but Google has taken a bold step by investing in nuclear power to fuel its growing AI operations. The tech giant has partnered with Elementl Power to develop three nuclear power projects, each with at least 600 megawatts of capacity.

This move comes as Google’s electricity needs are soaring. In 2023, the company’s data centers consumed 24 terawatt-hours of electricity, making up 7-10% of global data center power usage. Google’s greenhouse gas emissions increased by 13% in 2023 and have jumped 48% since 2019, largely due to AI and data center growth outpacing clean energy development.

Google’s energy appetite is exploding while its carbon footprint expands, as AI development outpaces the transition to clean power.

Google’s deal with Elementl Power provides early-stage capital for site preparation, though specific financial details haven’t been disclosed. These projects may use advanced nuclear technology, including small modular reactors (SMRs), which are smaller than traditional nuclear plants but still provide reliable power. The investment aligns with the global trend that requires annual nuclear investment to double to $120 billion by 2030 to meet clean energy goals.

The partnership gives Google the option to buy power directly from these nuclear facilities once they’re up and running. Elementl Power aims to develop more than 10 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2035, with these Google-backed projects forming part of that goal. The collaboration will significantly strengthen power grids across the United States while supporting Google’s AI innovation initiatives.

This isn’t Google’s first nuclear venture. The company previously partnered with Kairos Power to develop advanced nuclear projects that could provide up to 500 megawatts of carbon-free energy.

For Google, nuclear power addresses a critical need: 24/7 baseload power that doesn’t produce carbon emissions. The partnership was announced on May 8, 2025 with Amanda Peterson Corio emphasizing how this initiative addresses the growing energy demands of AI systems. AI systems require constant, reliable electricity, and nuclear fits this requirement better than intermittent renewables like solar or wind.

The investment supports Google’s ambitious goal to achieve net zero emissions across all operations by 2030 and to use carbon-free energy around the clock in every region. Other tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon are pursuing similar nuclear strategies as they face the same challenge of powering AI growth while meeting climate commitments.