AI's Growing Energy Demand Spurs Nuclear Revival and Clean Tech Innovation

As AI data centers drive soaring power needs, tech companies and governments are turning to nuclear energy and next-gen clean technologies to meet demand while addressing climate goals.

AI data centers are projected to significantly increase electricity consumption, potentially doubling their share of US energy use by the end of the decade.
Microsoft's deal to source power from the Three Mile Island nuclear plant highlights a trend of tech companies reviving old nuclear facilities to meet energy needs.
Clean energy advocates argue that AI's power demands present an opportunity to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced nuclear and geothermal technologies.
Despite nuclear energy's low emissions, concerns about safety, waste management, and regulatory oversight persist, especially with aging plants being restarted.
Renewable energy sources like solar and wind, alongside battery storage, are also viewed as scalable solutions, but face challenges in utility planning and local restrictions.

The Register

MIT Technology Review