Small modular reactor development in the United States is increasingly tied to the power needs of data centers, and the numbers show how directly. Google has partnered with Kairos Power to bring SMRs online by 2030, aiming to secure 500 megawatts of generation for its data centers in the southeastern United States.

The arrangement reflects a broader pattern. SMRs are under active consideration for powering AI workloads, data centers, and industrial activity where developers may prefer dedicated generation rather than relying solely on grid connections. The continuous, dense power demand of AI computing aligns with the steady output a reactor provides.

Federal support is moving in parallel. The Department of Energy selected Tennessee Valley Authority and Holtec for 400 million dollars each to advance light water SMR deployments, and state level SMR laws have launched new programs and pilot projects across the country.

The 500 megawatt Google and Kairos target gives a concrete figure for how much dedicated nuclear capacity a single technology company is pursuing for its regional computing load. As data center demand concentrates in the Southeast, the pairing of SMR projects with large electricity buyers offers one path to add firm capacity on a defined timeline.

Source: EIA -- https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=67584