Alphabet and Kairos Select Tennessee for First Small Modular Reactor

In a significant development in the nuclear power sector, Alphabet (GOOGL, GOOG) and Kairos Power have announced the location for their inaugural small modular reactor (SMR), set to be constructed in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This initiative is in collaboration with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which has also taken strides in advancing SMR technology; TVA is planning to build a BWRX-300 reactor, a larger 300MW facility, at Clinch River.

The project, dubbed the Hermes 2 demonstration reactor, is designed to produce 50MW of electricity, with operations anticipated by 2030. This reactor will be crucial in meeting the energy demands of Alphabetás data centers in the surrounding area. In contrast, the Hermes 1 reactor, also under construction at the same site, serves as a non-power demonstration model and is expected to be completed by 2027.

This announcement highlights the progress in the SMR landscape, particularly as most companies have yet to achieve similar milestones in site selection and permitting. The TVA's BWRX-300 project is projected to enter operational status by 2032, contingent upon successful completion of its licensing processes.

The broader context indicates a shift in nuclear energy strategy, with the U.S. government recently implementing executive orders aimed at expediting the permitting and licensing of new reactors. This proactive approach reflects a growing recognition of the need for sustainable energy solutions amid rising global energy demands.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Alphabet, Kairos Power, and the TVA marks a pivotal step forward in the development of small modular reactors, underscoring the potential of nuclear energy to support an increasingly electrified economy while addressing environmental concerns.