back Back

Tech giants will use nuclear energy to power AI data centers

Oct. 17, 2024.
2 mins. read. 5 Interactions

Google, Microsoft, and Amazon will use nuclear energy to power their data centers and meet the growing energy demands of AI technology.

About the Writer

Giulio Prisco

48.35704 MPXR

Giulio Prisco is Senior Editor at Mindplex. He is a science and technology writer mainly interested in fundamental science and space, cybernetics and AI, IT, VR, bio/nano, crypto technologies.

Google has partnered with Kairos Power to use nuclear energy for powering its data centers.

Google signed a deal with Kairos Power to develop and use small modular reactors (SMRs). SMRs are a type of nuclear reactor that are smaller and can be built in factories and then assembled on-site. This makes them quicker and cheaper to build compared to traditional large reactors.

Nuclear energy is a clean and reliable source of power. Google’s data centers need a lot of energy. By using nuclear power, Google can ensure these centers have a steady and clean energy supply.

The agreement aims to generate up to 500 megawatts (MW) of power by 2035, notes a Kairos press release. Unlike solar and wind energy, which depend on weather conditions, nuclear energy can provide power all the time. This reliability is crucial for data centers that need constant power.

This partnership is the first of its kind, and it could pave the way for more companies to use nuclear energy. If successful, it could lead to wider adoption of SMRs, making clean energy more accessible and affordable.

The intersection of nuclear energy and AI

Google admits that this move is necessary to meet the energy demands of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.

“The grid needs new electricity sources to support AI technologies,” emphasizes Michael Terrell, senior Director for energy and climate at Google. “This agreement helps accelerate a new technology to meet energy needs cleanly and reliably, and unlock the full potential of AI for everyone.”

Other major tech companies are also exploring the use of nuclear energy to power their AI data centers. Recently, Microsoft signed an agreement with the Three Mile Island nuclear station, now renamed the Crane Clean Energy Center, to power AI data centers and cloud services. Amazon also purchased a nuclear-powered data center in Pennsylvania. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang indicated that nuclear power is a viable option for AI energy needs, emphasizing the necessity of diverse energy sources for long-term sustainability.

The world needs nuclear energy, which is less exhaustible and cleaner than current energy sources. The surge of AI is providing much needed incentives.

Let us know your thoughts! Sign up for a Mindplex account now, join our Telegram, or follow us on Twitter

Comment on this content

1 Comments

One thought on “Tech giants will use nuclear energy to power AI data centers

  1. True, nuke energy so far is clearst and most efficient. Even the nuclear waste is not that big. But the Japanese in me is worried about it's management: both the nuclear power plant and the waste desposal. Now with all these new demand, more nuke plants will be launched, I not against it, I am just scared about managing these.

    Like
    Dislike
    Share
    Reply

3

Like

Dislike

Share

1

Comments
Reactions
💯 💘 😍 🎉 👏
🟨 😴 😡 🤮 💩

Here is where you pick your favorite article of the month. An article that collected the highest number of picks is dubbed "People's Choice". Our editors have their pick, and so do you. Read some of our other articles before you decide and click this button; you can only select one article every month.

People's Choice
Bookmarks