Google Picks Tennessee for Its First Small Modular Nuclear Reactor

A big step toward clean energy for AI and cloud computing

Google has announced that its first small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) will be built in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, in partnership with Kairos Power and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The project, known as Hermes 2, is expected to deliver around 50 megawatts of carbon-free power to the TVA grid by 2030. Google will then use the clean-energy credits from that output to help run its data centers in Tennessee and Alabama.

Powering AI and the cloud

Google’s computing needs are skyrocketing especially with AI models, cloud services, and massive data storage requiring constant energy. Traditional renewables like solar and wind are critical, but they don’t always provide 24/7 reliability. Nuclear reactors, even smaller ones like Hermes 2, offer a stable clean power source that can back up intermittent renewables.

Reviving U.S. nuclear innovation

The U.S. hasn’t seen much success building large new nuclear plants in recent decades projects often run billions over budget and years behind schedule. By contrast, SMRs are designed to be modular, faster to build, and cheaper to operate. If successful, Hermes 2 could serve as a model for future projects across the country.

Next-gen technology

Unlike conventional reactors that rely on water cooling, Hermes 2 will use a molten salt cooling system, which promises greater efficiency and enhanced safety features. This places the project in the class of Generation IV nuclear designs, which many experts view as the future of nuclear energy.

The bigger picture

• Google’s plan doesn’t stop at one reactor. The company has agreements in place to eventually secure up to 500 MW of nuclear power from Kairos through the mid-2030s.

• Government backing is strong. The U.S. Department of Energy is supporting the project with hundreds of millions in funding to help accelerate deployment.

• Local benefits matter. Oak Ridge, already home to a rich history of nuclear science, is set to become a hub for clean-energy jobs and university partnerships.

For Google, this is more than an energy deal. It’s a statement about the future of powering technology at scale. As AI, cloud computing, and data infrastructure grow, so does the demand for clean, constant energy. By betting on advanced nuclear, Google is not only decarbonizing its own operations but also potentially reshaping how utilities and tech companies think about reliable clean power.