After Jack Daniel’s whiskey, Tennessee will now be famous for Google’s nuclear reactor

Google and Kairos Power will build a nuclear plant in Tennessee to power data centres by 2030, marking a turning point for America’s nuclear industry.

Google has partnered with nuclear startup Kairos Power to build an advanced nuclear plant in Tennessee, marking a historic shift for America’s stalled nuclear industry. Tennessee, home to Jack Daniel’s whiskey, crafted in Lynchburg, is renowned worldwide. Known for its Memphis-style barbecue and the scenic Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the state now adds a new claim to fame: hosting Google’s advanced nuclear reactor.

The Hermes 2 reactor is expected to connect to the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) grid by 2030, supplying power to Google’s data centres in Tennessee and Alabama.

Google partners with Kairos Power to build a nuclear reactor in Tennessee for carbon-free energy. ( AI-generated)

By MD Ijaj Khan

Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience covering the consumer technology industry. His work spans smartphones, laptops, wearables, gaming, appliances and AI - from hands-on reviews, comparison and buying guides to breaking news and in-depth features that help readers cut through the noise and make informed decisions. Before joining HT Tech, he worked with Jagran New Media, where he sharpened his instincts for fast-paced digital reporting. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Whether he's testing the latest flagship smartphone, tracking a major AI announcement, or putting a gaming laptop through its paces, Ijaj approaches every story with the same goal - making technology feel relevant and easy to understand for everyday users, not just enthusiasts. When he's not in front of a screen for work, he's usually travelling to a new city, hunting for great food, or keeping tabs on what's next in tech before everyone else catches on.

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This development is significant because the United States has not built new reactors in decades. The last major project, Georgia’s Plant Vogtle, ran $18 billion over budget and opened seven years late in 2023 and 2024. Its troubles contributed to the bankruptcy of industry leader Westinghouse, reinforcing doubts about the future of large-scale nuclear construction.

Under the agreement, TVA will purchase up to 50 megawatts of power from Hermes 2, enough to supply around 36,000 homes. According to CNBC, this is the first time a US utility has signed a power purchase agreement with an advanced nuclear reactor. The electricity will support Google’s growing demand for clean energy to run artificial intelligence operations and cloud services.

Why this project matters

The project aims to solve one of the nuclear sector’s biggest challenges: the overwhelming financial risk of new construction. Instead of taxpayers or utilities bearing the burden, Google and Kairos will fund the plant, while TVA ensures steady revenue through its long-term purchase deal.

Startups such as Kairos believe smaller, more efficient reactors can avoid the delays and runaway costs of traditional plants. Hermes 2, which received construction approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in November 2024, is slated to begin operations by 2030, though an operating licence will still be required before it goes live.

For Google, nuclear power is becoming central to its clean energy strategy. With AI workloads pushing data centre demand to record highs, the company is turning to advanced nuclear as a reliable, carbon-free option. Google has already placed orders with Kairos for a total of 500 megawatts of future capacity, targeting rollout by 2035.

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