Google Partners with Elementl Power to Develop Three New Nuclear Sites: A Big Step Toward a Greener Future
In a move that’s catching a lot of attention, Google has announced a major partnership with nuclear developer Elementl Power. Together, they plan to develop three new advanced nuclear sites, each expected to generate at least 600 megawatts of clean energy. This bold step shows how big tech companies are thinking creatively about the massive energy needs of the future, especially with the rise of AI and data centers.
But what’s really happening behind the scenes? Why is Google investing in nuclear power? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
A New Kind of Energy Partnership
On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Elementl Power confirmed that it had signed an agreement with Google to develop these three sites. While the exact locations are still being kept private, what we do know is that Google will provide early-stage development funding. This money will help with important steps like:
- Securing government permits
- Getting connection rights to power grids
- Negotiating contracts
- Handling other early project needs
Google is not just paying for construction. Instead, they are helping Elementl lay the foundation so that when it’s time to build, everything is ready to go. Once the plants are up and running, Google will have the option to purchase the energy produced — a win-win for both sides.
Why Nuclear? Why Now?
With AI booming and digital activities growing faster than ever, the energy demands of data centers are skyrocketing. These centers can’t afford any downtime — they need energy that’s reliable, available 24/7, and environmentally friendly.
Traditional renewable sources like solar and wind are excellent but have one big problem: they depend on weather. The sun doesn’t always shine, and the wind doesn’t always blow. Nuclear energy, on the other hand, offers consistent “baseload” power, meaning it can run non-stop, day and night.
Amanda Peterson Corio, Google’s global head of data center energy, said it perfectly:
“Google is committed to catalyzing projects that strengthen the power grids where we operate, and advanced nuclear technology provides reliable, baseload, 24/7 energy.”
What’s Special About Elementl Power?
You might be wondering — who is Elementl Power?
Founded in 2022, Elementl Power is a new player in the nuclear world. Interestingly, they haven’t committed to a specific nuclear technology yet. They are keeping their options open and will choose the most developed and reliable reactor technology when it’s time to build.
Their bigger goal? Adding 10 gigawatts of nuclear energy to the grid by 2035. That’s a huge number — enough to power millions of homes and businesses.
Chris Colbert, Chairman and CEO of Elementl Power, shared his excitement:
“Innovative partnerships like this are necessary to mobilize the capital required to build new nuclear projects, which are critical to deliver safe, affordable and clean baseload power and help companies advance their long-term net zero goals.”
Tech Giants Are Turning to Nuclear Power
Google isn’t alone. Last year, they partnered with Kairos Power, another company building small modular reactors (SMRs). SMRs are smaller, safer versions of traditional nuclear plants and are expected to start running by 2030.
Big companies like Amazon and Nvidia are also making moves in the energy space. They agree that the need for stable power is only going to grow. In fact, experts estimate that by 2027, around 50 gigawatts of new power capacity will be needed — about the same as building 50 new nuclear plants!
Even though there are hopes that newer, more efficient AI models might lower energy needs, reality shows that AI will only make energy demands bigger.
What’s Next?
While today’s announcement is about early-stage development, there’s a long road ahead. After finalizing the sites, Elementl Power will raise more capital from infrastructure funds and other investors to actually build the plants. If all goes well, these projects could become a major piece of the clean energy puzzle — helping tech companies stay powered while protecting the planet.
Google’s early bet on nuclear energy shows they’re serious about leading in the AI race without leaving sustainability behind. It also sets an example for other companies that want to grow without hurting the environment.
Final Thoughts
The future of energy is changing — and fast. Google’s investment with Elementl Power highlights how big tech is not only focusing on innovation in AI and cloud services but also taking real steps toward building a cleaner, greener world.
As more tech giants team up with the nuclear industry, we might soon see a new era where advanced nuclear power becomes a normal part of our energy landscape. It’s an exciting time where technology, energy, and environmental responsibility are finally moving hand-in-hand.
