Google made headlines by announcing a trailblazing power purchase agreement (PPA) with Kairos Power and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for the deployment of Kairos Power’s Hermes 2 advanced nuclear reactor in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This collaboration marks the first time a U.S. utility has agreed to buy electricity from a Generation IV (GEN IV) advanced nuclear reactor, representing a pivotal moment for America’s clean energy future.

Under the agreement, TVA will integrate 50 megawatts (MW) of nuclear energy from the Hermes 2 plant into its grid — directly supplying Google’s data centers located in Montgomery County, Tennessee, and Jackson County, Alabama.

Accelerating Clean Energy Deployment to Meet Growing Demand

Building on a long-term collaboration launched in October 2024, Google and Kairos Power set their sights on unlocking up to 500MW of advanced nuclear power through the deployment of Kairos’ small modular reactors across the United States. This new three-party partnership brings together utilities, energy customers, and technology innovators to accelerate the adoption of next-generation clean energy solutions capable of reliably meeting surging electricity demands.

TVA, as part of this innovative agreement, will purchase Hermes 2’s output beginning in 2030. The clean electricity will then be used to power Google’s regional data centers — ensuring 24/7, locally sourced, carbon-free energy for the company’s critical digital infrastructure.

Transforming Oak Ridge Into a Modern Nuclear Innovation Hub

The Hermes 2 project signals a revitalization of Oak Ridge’s storied legacy in nuclear technology. Oak Ridge, long recognized as a birthplace of American nuclear advancement, is now poised to become an epicenter of innovation once again.

Kairos Power is spearheading workforce development initiatives in partnership with the University of Tennessee and local colleges to train the next generation of plant operators and engineers. These programs promise to open new doors for high-paying technical careers, fostering economic growth and technological leadership within the region.

A Decade of Clean Energy Progress in the Tennessee Valley

Since 2015, Google has maintained a deep commitment to sustainable growth in the Tennessee Valley, leveraging the region’s abundant clean energy resources and strong collaboration with TVA. The company’s latest agreement is the culmination of persistent efforts to expand access to carbon-free power, ranging from solar installations to now, advanced nuclear energy.

As Google, Kairos Power, and TVA move forward, their partnership is positioned to inspire further advancements in clean technology — promising reliable, affordable, and sustainable power for both businesses and communities across the Southeast.