After Microsoft, Google turns to nuclear power to run its AI data centres (www.firstpost.com)
from someguy3@lemmy.world to technology@lemmy.world on 16 Oct 2024 18:46
https://lemmy.world/post/20923012

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solrize@lemmy.world on 16 Oct 2024 18:50 next collapse

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?

Z3k3@lemmy.world on 16 Oct 2024 21:00 next collapse

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@lemmy.world on 16 Oct 2024 21:02 collapse

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.

TimeSquirrel@kbin.melroy.org on 16 Oct 2024 21:45 collapse

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@lemmy.world on 16 Oct 2024 23:31 collapse

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.

SpikesOtherDog@ani.social on 16 Oct 2024 21:06 collapse

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@lemmy.world on 16 Oct 2024 21:30 collapse

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.

SpikesOtherDog@ani.social on 16 Oct 2024 21:57 collapse

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

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