For those who remember the past, "nuclear energy" often brings to mind catastrophic events, such as the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl disasters that colored the public's perception through the 1970s and '80s. Despite its troubled legacy, nuclear energy has proven to have a strong safety record, often better than other energy sources, including renewables, when accounting for the management of nuclear waste. In 2024, major tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon have started to reinvest in nuclear power, driven largely by the growing energy demands of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. These companies have made substantial commitments to nuclear energy, recognizing it as a viable solution to meet their increasing power needs sustainably. Specifically: - Google is collaborating with Kairos Power to implement small modular reactors (SMRs) for its AI data centers, aiming for 500 megawatts of carbon-free energy by 2035. - Microsoft plans to restart the Three Mile Island reactor by 2028, which will produce 835 megawatts of power while exploring fusion energy with Helion Energy. The company is also working with OpenAI on a massive $100 billion supercomputer requiring nearly as much power as New York City. - Amazon is partnering on several SMR projects, including a deal to produce 320 megawatts with Energy Northwest in Washington, and has plans that could lead to over five gigawatts of nuclear energy. SMRs, which are smaller and safer than traditional reactors, are designed to allow easier production and transport, incorporating passive safety systems that minimize failure risks. The shift toward nuclear is motivated by the immense energy demands of AI and data centers, which require reliable, clean energy sources to meet carbon neutrality goals. As traditional grids struggle to accommodate the surge in energy needs, tech companies view nuclear as a solution to ensure reliability while minimizing their carbon footprint.

However, the path to implementing new nuclear projects is complex. Tech companies face challenges from utility companies reluctant to allocate significant resources to new data centers without assurance about energy supply and demand management. Thus, tech giants are compelled to demonstrate a viable plan that includes nuclear power to secure the necessary support from regulators. Proximity of data centers to nuclear power facilities is also strategically advantageous, allowing tech firms to bypass the need for extensive new transmission infrastructure while meeting their massive energy demands efficiently. In summary, tech industry's renewed interest in nuclear power signals a potential shift in energy sourcing as AI capabilities expand. While optimism exists about nuclear as a key player in clean energy, expert caution reminds us that the regulatory review processes can be lengthy. Nevertheless, the moves by companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft may ignite broader investment in nuclear energy, making it an essential part of the global energy landscape moving forward.