Google has chosen a new location in the US state of Tennessee. Together with Kairos Power, it is building an innovative nuclear power plant in Oak Ridge specifically designed to meet the growing energy demands of data centers. Nuclear energy is seen as key to balancing costs and security of supply. (theverge: 19.08.25)
Oak Ridge location as a pilot project
The growing electricity demand from AI data centers is placing a noticeable strain on the US grid. Many technology companies are therefore seeking stable energy sources. Unlike wind and solar, nuclear power offers a continuous supply. The Oak Ridge site is particularly well-suited for the project due to its nuclear heritage and existing infrastructure.
The Hermes 2 reactor will initially be built in Oak Ridge. It will deliver 50 megawatts, powered by modern technology developed by Kairos Power. This first step serves as a model for later expansion. This will give the site new significance in the energy sector and could serve as a signal for future nuclear energy projects.
Cooperation with Kairos Power and expansion plans
The startup relies on so-called Small Modular Reactors, which are compact and flexibly expandable. Google plans to use this solution to supply power to its data centers in Montgomery County and Jackson County in the long term. The modular design is intended to create a secure and cost-effective supply.
Hermes 2 in Oak Ridge is scheduled to go online by 2030. Kairos Power is targeting a total capacity of 500 megawatts by 2035 at the latest. This will cover a large portion of Google’s data center energy needs. Financial details of the collaboration have not yet been made public, but the project is considered groundbreaking for the combination of high-tech and nuclear energy.
Political and economic significance
The Oak Ridge site not only offers technical advantages, but also powerful symbolism. The region played a pivotal role in U.S. nuclear development as early as the 1940s. Now, the collaboration between Google and Kairos Power is strengthening the regional economy and giving nuclear energy a new boost.
The Tennessee Valley Authority also benefits from the project. It can utilize the new technology without bearing all the costs alone. The risk is shared between the public utility and Google, making the project more financially stable.
Quote on the role of nuclear energy
The head of TVA stated: “Nuclear energy is the foundation for the future of energy security. By committing to and assuming some of the costs and risks for innovative nuclear energy projects, Google is not only helping Google develop these solutions itself, but also preventing us from having to burden our customers with the development of this technology.”
With this step, Google demonstrates how crucial a clearly defined location can be for the future of energy. Data centers are among the largest drivers of energy consumption worldwide. Oak Ridge could become a model for other regions that rely on nuclear energy to combine technological development with energy security.