Google Announces Plans to Purchase Power from Small Modular Reactor in Tennessee
Tokyo, August 22, 2025 – The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) reports that Google has announced its intention to purchase electricity generated from a planned small modular reactor (SMR) to be constructed in Tennessee. This significant development marks a notable step in the energy procurement strategies of major technology companies, signaling a growing interest in advanced nuclear power as a source of clean and reliable energy.
The agreement, detailed in JETRO’s latest business news bulletin, highlights Google’s commitment to decarbonization and its proactive approach to securing sustainable energy for its operations. While specific details regarding the capacity of the SMR or the exact terms of the power purchase agreement have not been fully disclosed, the announcement underscores the increasing viability and attractiveness of SMR technology for large-scale industrial consumers.
Small modular reactors are a newer generation of nuclear reactors designed to be smaller, more factory-built, and potentially more cost-effective and flexible than traditional large-scale nuclear power plants. Their modular design allows for scalable deployment, and proponents emphasize their enhanced safety features and reduced environmental footprint.
Tennessee has been a focal point for nuclear energy development in the United States, with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) actively exploring and investing in advanced nuclear technologies, including SMRs. This strategic location likely played a role in Google’s decision, leveraging existing infrastructure and regulatory support for nuclear energy projects in the region.
For Google, the move to source power from an SMR aligns with its ambitious sustainability goals. The company has been a leader in investing in renewable energy, but the inclusion of nuclear power, particularly from SMRs, suggests a strategy to diversify its clean energy portfolio and ensure a consistent, baseload supply of low-carbon electricity. This is crucial for powering its energy-intensive data centers, which are essential for its global cloud services and artificial intelligence initiatives.
The announcement is also a positive indicator for the broader SMR industry. Such high-profile endorsements from major corporations can help build confidence and accelerate the deployment of this advanced nuclear technology, potentially paving the way for wider adoption by other industrial and commercial entities seeking to meet their climate commitments.
Further details on the project timeline, the specific SMR technology chosen, and the operational aspects of the power purchase are anticipated as the plans progress. JETRO will continue to monitor and report on developments in this and other key areas of international trade and technological advancement.
米グーグル、テネシー州に建設予定の小型モジュール原子炉からの電力購入計画を発表
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日本貿易振興機構 published ‘米グーグル、テネシー州に建設予定の小型モジュール原子炉からの電力購入計画を発表’ at 2025-08-22 04:45. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.