Google to Build 50-Megawatt Nuclear Plant for Southeast Data Centers by 2030

Google has announced plans to build a small modular nuclear power plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to supply clean energy for its data centers in the southeastern United States. The 50-megawatt Hermes 2 reactor, developed by Kairos Power, will begin operations in 2030 and will be integrated into the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) grid to provide reliable, carbon-free power [1]. This collaboration marks a significant step in the tech industry’s push to meet the rising energy demands driven by artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure [2].

Under a long-term power purchase agreement, TVA — the nation’s largest public utility — will acquire energy from the Hermes 2 reactor to support Google’s data centers in Montgomery County, Tennessee, and Jackson County, Alabama [3]. The project is part of a broader agreement between Google, Kairos Power, and TVA to deploy 500 megawatts of advanced nuclear energy production in the region, with Hermes 2 being the first project under this initiative [4]. The reactor utilizes fluoride salt-cooled, high-temperature technology, which allows for greater efficiency, reduced waste, and a smaller physical footprint compared to traditional nuclear reactors [5].

Google’s global head of data center energy, Amanda Peterson Corio, emphasized that the partnership would accelerate the deployment of innovative nuclear technologies while supporting the growing digital economy with firm, carbon-free energy [6]. The project also aligns with recent federal efforts to boost nuclear power and AI infrastructure, including executive actions under the Trump administration [7].

The Hermes 2 plant received a construction permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in November 2024 and now faces additional regulatory steps, including obtaining an operating license [8]. The reactor will use high-assay low-enriched uranium, a fuel type that allows for longer operation cycles and is currently being produced in limited quantities in the U.S. [9].

TVA, which serves 10 million people across seven southern states, has positioned itself as a leader in adopting next-generation energy solutions. The utility noted that this agreement represents the first U.S. power purchase deal for a next-generation nuclear reactor [10]. The project not only aims to meet Google’s energy needs but also to contribute to broader regional energy resilience and sustainability goals [11].

Sources:

[1] https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/google-announces-tennessee-site-small-modular-nuclear-reactor-2025-08-18/

[2] https://thebusinessjournal.com/utility-to-buy-power-from-advanced-nuclear-plant-to-fuel-tennessee-and-alabama-google-data-centers/

[4] https://kairospower.com/external_updates/google-kairos-power-tva-collaborate-to-meet-americas-growing-energy-needs/

[5] https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/tennessee/articles/2025-08-18/utility-to-buy-power-from-advanced-nuclear-plant-to-power-tennessee-and-alabama-google-data-centers