Google signs first US Gen IV nuclear deal to power its data centers

Google has signed a landmark power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to buy electricity from Kairos Power’s Hermes 2 Generation IV nuclear reactor, marking the first such deal between a U.S. utility and an advanced nuclear developer. The 50-megawatt reactor, expected to begin operations by 2030 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, will supply carbon-free power to TVA’s grid, supporting Google’s data centers in Tennessee and Alabama. This agreement initiates a broader collaboration aimed at unlocking up to 500 megawatts of advanced nuclear capacity over the next decade, reflecting Google’s commitment to securing reliable, 24/7 carbon-free energy amid rising electricity demand driven by AI and cloud services. The deal also symbolizes a revival of Oak Ridge’s historic role in nuclear innovation and aligns with recent federal efforts to accelerate advanced nuclear development. The Trump administration’s executive orders have streamlined licensing for small modular and micro-reactors, aiming to significantly increase U.S.