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Big tech’s bet on nuclear energy: Can it power the next AI revolution?

Updated: Dec 31, 2024 05:04 AM EST

Big Tech’s Bold Nuclear Energy Plans for the AI Revolution

Big Tech is placing significant bets on nuclear energy as a potential solution to meet the immense energy demands of artificial intelligence (AI). Just as spice fuels the fictional empire of the sci-fi universe in Dune, AI is set to transform industries on Earth, but it requires a vast amount of energy to do so.

Currently, training large AI models is energy-intensive; for instance, training a model like GPT-4 consumes as much energy as powering 100 American homes for a year. As AI’s demands grow, so does the urgency for sustainable energy sources.

Big tech is betting big on nuclear

Looking ahead, the United States is expected to see a rise in data centers, projected to consume nine percent of the nation’s electricity by 2030. Major companies such as Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are investigating nuclear solutions to ensure a steady power supply.

For example, Microsoft has committed to reviving a dormant plant at the notorious Three Mile Island site, planning to buy its energy output for the next 20 years. Meanwhile, Amazon is investing in small modular reactors (SMRs) that can be constructed nearby and provide cleaner energy directly to data centers.

Google is also exploring SMRs through a partnership with Kairos Power, with their first reactor expected to be operational by 2030.

Why nuclear?

Nuclear energy stands out due to its ability to provide a consistent power supply, unlike intermittent solar and wind sources. Despite advances in renewable technologies, potential disruptions from weather could delay the functionality of vital AI systems.

However, nuclear energy carries its own challenges, particularly due to historical accidents like Chornobyl and Fukushima, which fostered public distrust. To usher in a nuclear revival, stakeholders must overcome significant regulatory hurdles and societal concerns.

The big question

As AI reshapes our world, a pressing question emerges: Are consumers ready to embrace the changes and risks that come with nuclear energy to power this revolution? Big Tech’s investments in nuclear may not only redefine the AI landscape but also the energy demands of the 21st century.