Google Secures Nuclear Power for Finnish AI Infrastructure

Google has made a significant move to ensure its AI infrastructure in Finland remains powered by clean energy. The tech giant has struck a deal with Fortum, purchasing up to half of the Loviisa nuclear plant's capacity. This arrangement will keep the plant online past 2030 and position it to operate until its license expires in 2050.

The companies have agreed that sustaining Loviisa's operations into 2050 will require around €1 billion in spending spread across multiple years. Google's step highlights a growing trend among big tech companies, which are leaning towards nuclear power to secure low-carbon, always-available electricity for their data centers.

Fortum CEO Markus Rauramo noted that the attraction of nuclear power lies in its ability to provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy due to the long-term needs of these companies. This deal is seen as a model for other corporate power contracts that can keep existing reactors online or bring dormant ones back into operation.

The partnership also includes an agreement to pursue new nuclear and renewable projects, along with other services. The move comes as nuclear power shows signs of a comeback in Europe, driven by rising power demand and climate goals.