Why are Microsoft, Amazon, Google and Meta betting on nuclear power?

Data centers powered by artificial intelligence and cloud computing are pushing energy demand and production to new limits. The US Department of Energy estimates that global electricity use could increase by up to 75% by 2050, along with the technology industry. AI ambitions controls most of the wave.

Data centers powered by AI and cloud computing may soon grow so large that they could use more electricity than all the cities.

As the leaders of the AI ​​race push for more technological advancements and deployments, many increasingly see energy needs at odds with sustainability goals.

“A new data center that needs the same amount of electricity as Chicago can’t build a solution unless they understand their energy needs,” said Mark Nelson, managing director of Radiant Energy Group. “This power is needed. Steady, straight, 100% power, 24 hours a day, 365,” he added.

After years of focusing on renewables, big tech companies are now turning to nuclear power for its ability to provide mass power in a more efficient and sustainable way.

Google, Amazon, Microsoft and Meta are among the most prominent names investigating or investing in nuclear power projects. Their announcement marks the start of an industry-wide trend based on the power requirements of data centers and AI models.

“What we’re seeing is nuclear power has a lot of benefits,” said Michael Terrell, Google’s senior director of energy and climate. “It’s a carbon-free electricity source. It’s an always-on and always-on electricity source. And it has a huge economic impact.”

After nuclear power was largely written off in the past because of widespread fears about meltdowns and safety risks, and misinformation that dramatized those concerns, experts are praising the technology’s latest investments. “the beginning of the nuclear renaissance“it can speed it up Energy transformation in the United States and around the world.

Watch the video Read on to find out why Big Tech is investing in nuclear power, the opposition they face, and when their nuclear ambitions might become a reality.