Google to Power AI Data Centers with Reactivated US Nuclear Plant
PENNSYLVANIA – Google has secured a deal to reactivate a shuttered nuclear power plant in Salem County, New Jersey, to provide carbon-free energy for its growing artificial intelligence data centers. The agreement,announced October 28,2024,marks a meaningful step in the tech giant’s commitment to 24/7 carbon-free energy and addresses the escalating power demands of AI operations.
The Hope Creek Generating Station, owned by PSEG Nuclear, was slated for decommissioning but will now undergo a multi-year process to resume operations, anticipated by the end of 2025. This move underscores the immense energy appetite of AI and the increasing reliance on nuclear power to meet sustainability goals alongside computational needs. The reactivation is driven by Google’s need for ample, reliable power to support its expanding AI infrastructure, a sector experiencing exponential growth and placing unprecedented strain on energy grids.
Google’s deal involves purchasing the power generated by Hope creek, which has a capacity of approximately 1,200 megawatts – enough to power roughly 1 million homes. The company is collaborating with PSEG to navigate the regulatory hurdles and complete the necesary upgrades to the facility. This initiative is part of Google’s broader strategy to achieve carbon-free energy across its global operations by 2030.
The escalating energy demands of AI are prompting a reevaluation of energy sources. Data centers,the physical infrastructure underpinning AI,are notoriously energy-intensive. According to a recent report by the International Energy Agency, global electricity demand from data centers could double by 2026. Nuclear power, while controversial, offers a consistent, high-density energy source with minimal carbon emissions, making it an increasingly attractive option for companies like Google seeking to balance technological advancement with environmental responsibility.
