Tech companies are increasingly turning to nuclear energy to power their data centers, driven by rising electricity demands and climate goals. As Justine Calma reports for The Verge, major players like Amazon and Microsoft have secured significant agreements with nuclear power plants, eyeing next-generation small modular reactors still in development.
Nuclear energy offers a consistent power supply, making it suitable for data centers that operate continuously, unlike intermittent sources like wind and solar. Despite past challenges, including high-profile accidents and economic hurdles, the outlook for nuclear energy is improving, with projections for US capacity to triple by 2050.
Microsoft plans to revive the shuttered Three Mile Island plant by 2028, marking a historic move in US nuclear energy. Amazon has also acquired a data center powered by the Susquehanna Nuclear plant, while Google is exploring nuclear options for its sustainability goals. Bill Gates advocates for nuclear energy as a solution to climate issues and is involved in developing small modular reactors.
However, the industry still faces regulatory hurdles, opposition over costs, and concerns regarding uranium mining and radioactive waste. Overall, tech companies may drive a new wave of investment in nuclear energy, despite the complexities ahead.