this post was submitted on 16 Oct 2024
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45
After Microsoft, Google turns to nuclear power to run its AI data centres (www.firstpost.com)
submitted 2 months ago by someguy3 to c/technology
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[–] solrize 12 points 2 months ago (2 children)

This has been all over the news but I wonder what they really expect. I've never heard of a nuke project anywhere that didn't go years behind schedule and billions over budget. Why do they think it will be different this time?

[–] [email protected] 6 points 2 months ago (1 children)

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_modular_reactor

These aren't the big beasts powering whole cities. They are designed to be incorporated into a factory or data center just like a diesel or flywheel backup generator.

[–] solrize 1 points 2 months ago

I understand the idea but it has been around for decades with no actual deployments so far, so I'll believe it when I see it.

[–] Z3k3 3 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I don't think it matters. By the time the shareholders realise it's a lemon the current leadership team will already have been recycled out and safe from the fallout

[–] solrize 1 points 2 months ago

True. I guess utilities do the same thing but they eventually get ratepayer bailouts. Maybe Google will realize that early enough to structure the deals the same way.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Even if they don't use it for AI in particular, they will have a private nuclear power facility for their data centers. They would absolutely take advantage of that power generation if it was originally publicly funded.

[–] someguy3 5 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Google has announced a major deal to harness nuclear energy, partnering with startup Kairos Power to source energy from small modular reactors (SMRs) in the US by 2030.

Don't think this is publicly funded.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

Ah. I thought they were fully following in the footsteps of Microsoft.

Edit: I just read tfa. It was a blurb.