Google, Kairos Power, and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) have joined forces to bring the next generation of nuclear energy to the U.S. electricity grid. On August 18, the partners announced a landmark power purchase agreement (PPA) for Kairos Power’s Hermes 2 Plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
- The project is the first step under a broader agreement between Kairos Power and Google to bring 500 MW of advanced nuclear capacity online by 2035. It will directly support the tech giant’s growth and clean energy goals.
Kairos Scales Up Hermes 2 to Power Google Data Centers
This agreement marks the first time a U.S. utility will buy electricity from an advanced Generation IV (GEN IV) nuclear reactor. Under the deal, the Hermes 2 reactor will supply up to 50 megawatts (MW) of round-the-clock, carbon-free energy to TVA’s grid starting in 2030.
Originally designed to generate 28 MW. By boosting output, Kairos Power ensures that the plant delivers enough energy for data centers that run 24/7 with near-zero downtime. Precisely, that electricity will power Google’s massive data centers in Montgomery County, Tennessee, and Jackson County, Alabama.
Amanda Peterson Corio, Google’s Global Head of Data Center Energy
“To power the future, we need to grow the availability of smart, firm energy sources. This collaboration with TVA, Kairos Power, and the Oak Ridge community will accelerate the deployment of innovative nuclear technologies and help support the needs of our growing digital economy while also bringing firm carbon-free energy to the electricity system. Lessons from the development and operation of the Hermes 2 plant will help drive down the cost of future reactors, improving the economics of clean firm power generation in the TVA region and beyond.”
Mike Laufer, Kairos Power CEO and co-founder, also noted,
“This collaboration is an important enabler to making advanced nuclear energy commercially competitive. The re-envisioned Hermes 2 gets us closer to the commercial fleet sooner and could only be made possible by close collaboration with TVA and Google, and a supportive local community. We are excited to grow Kairos Power’s operations in Oak Ridge while writing a new chapter in the region’s distinguished nuclear history.”
TVA Bridges Utilities, Tech, and Innovation in Nuclear Power
TVA will buy the electricity from Kairos Power and deliver it to Google through its grid. In return, Google will receive the clean energy attributes tied to Hermes 2, ensuring its local operations are powered with verified carbon-free energy every hour of every day.
This three-way model, i.e, bringing together energy customers, utilities, and technology developers, highlights a new path for delivering advanced energy projects. Instead of utilities or developers shouldering all the risk, partnerships distribute costs and accelerate innovation.
Don Moul, TVA President and CEO, said,
“Energy security is national security, and electricity is the strategic commodity that is the building block for AI and our nation’s economic prosperity. The world is looking for American leadership, and this first-of-a-kind agreement is the start of an innovative way of doing business. By developing a technology, a supply chain, and a delivery model that can build an industry to unleash American energy, we can attract and support companies like Google and help America win the AI race.”
Why Oak Ridge Matters
The decision to build Hermes 2 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, carries deep symbolic weight. Oak Ridge played a central role in nuclear innovation during the 20th century and was the site of some of the biggest breakthroughs in U.S. nuclear history. Now, it’s becoming a hub for the next era of nuclear innovation.
Beyond clean energy, the project will drive local growth. Kairos Power is working with the University of Tennessee and other regional institutions to train operators, engineers, and technicians. These programs aim to create a pipeline of high-paying, skilled jobs in advanced nuclear technology, ensuring that the benefits of Hermes 2 extend far beyond the plant itself.
Rising Electricity Demand in the AI Era
The timing of Hermes 2 couldn’t be more critical. America’s power grid faces surging demand, fueled by data centers and transportation electrification.
Deloitte estimates that data center power use could increase fivefold by 2035, climbing to 176 gigawatts (GW).
- The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) projects that U.S. electricity demand will rise 2% annually, surging nearly 50% by 2050.
This growth is driven not just by cloud services but by artificial intelligence (AI), which requires immense computing power. AI-focused data centers may consume thousands of megawatts each, far beyond the capacity of traditional renewable energy solutions alone.
Why Nuclear Energy is a Strong Fit for Data Centers?
Nuclear power is emerging as one of the few reliable options to meet skyrocketing electricity needs while cutting emissions. IEA says, in 2024, nuclear supplied 18.5% of U.S. electricity, despite accounting for less than 8% of total operating capacity.
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Massive power output: A single nuclear reactor can generate 800 MW or more, enough to support multiple hyperscale data centers.
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Around-the-clock reliability: Unlike wind and solar, nuclear plants provide steady power, day and night.
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Low emissions: Nuclear energy produces almost no greenhouse gases during operation, making it a climate-friendly option.
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Efficient land use: Nuclear facilities need far less land compared to solar or wind farms, which makes them ideal for regions where space is limited.
The Rise of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
While traditional nuclear plants are ideal for massive grids, small modular reactors (SMRs) are changing the game. SMRs typically generate up to 300 MW, making them flexible, scalable, and perfectly sized for powering individual data centers or clusters.
SMRs also carry advantages in cost and deployment:
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They can be built in factories and assembled on-site, speeding up timelines.
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Their modular design lowers upfront capital risks.
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They can be paired with renewables to provide grid stability.
Experts predict that by 2035, SMRs could cover 10% of the forecasted increase in U.S. data center electricity demand if regulatory and financial hurdles are overcome.
Kairos Power–TVA–Google Model Cracks the Cost Barrier
Based on the above analysis, the Kairos Power–TVA–Google model is also designed to spread out costs and bring down expenses for utilities and households over time. This is possible because of leveraging early partnerships with major energy buyers like Google.
Moving on, the Hermes 2 project is a blueprint for how advanced nuclear can scale across the U.S. energy system.
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For utilities, it provides reliable, carbon-free power without overburdening ratepayers.
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For tech companies, it delivers guaranteed clean energy to match massive AI and data needs.
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For communities, it creates jobs, training programs, and long-term economic benefits.
Boosting Google’s 2030 Carbon-free Energy Goal
The U.S. is entering a new era where electricity demand is rising fast, mainly due to data centers and AI. And renewable energy can’t do it alone. The grid needs a reliable, scalable, and carbon-free solution.
For Google, Hermes 2 builds on nearly a decade of clean energy work with TVA. Since 2015, Google has invested a lot in renewable energy for the Tennessee Valley. This effort helps modernize the grid and supports data center growth.
Now, with Hermes 2, Google is taking the next leap — adding 24/7 nuclear power to complement wind and solar. This move helps meet Google’s 2030 carbon-free energy goal. It also ensures that its expanding AI operations are powered reliably.
Google, Kairos Power, and TVA are proving that nuclear and data centers can grow together. If Hermes 2 works, it may speed up SMR use across the U.S. This would help meet climate goals and manage rising energy demands.
