As global energy demand rises and the urgency to curb carbon emissions grows, companies are turning to nuclear energy as a promising solution. Although other sources such as wind and solar are being utilized, they are still intermittent and unable to offer continuous power. Nuclear energy, however, provides a steady energy flow that can support the continuous operation of businesses and technology. As such, big tech companies are investing heavily in nuclear projects to check off two boxes: energy that is renewable and energy that is reliable.
Big Tech’s Interest in Nuclear Power
Recent partnerships between technology giants and nuclear energy firms indicate a shift toward nuclear as a sustainable energy solution. Google and Kairos Power recently struck a deal for Kairos Power to develop 500 megawatts (MW) of advanced nuclear energy by 2035. This partnership is in line with Google’s goal of solely using clean energy to power their data centers and other Google infrastructure.
Other major tech companies are also jumping onto the nuclear power trend. Amazon, already utilizing over 500 solar and wind projects to date, is also adding nuclear energy to its portfolio of clean energy sources. Amazon has partnered with three separate energy companies – Energy Northwest, Dominion Energy, and X-energy – to develop small modular reactors (SMRs) to help power growing demands and operations. Earlier this year, they also purchased Cumulus Data Assets from Talen Energy, a data center that sits on a 1,200-acre campus in Pennsylvania running off power from the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station adjacent to it. This will offer fixed-price nuclear power to AWS, helping Amazon reach its goal of operating with 100 percent renewable energy by 2025, 5 years earlier than its initial 2030 target.
Advantages of Nuclear Energy for Technology-Driven Industries
Telecommunications and computing infrastructure such as data centers rely heavily on massive amounts of electricity to keep them running continuously, especially with advancements like artificial intelligence which is notorious for high energy consumption. Although energy options like wind and solar are a great step to renewable and lower cost energy, they can be inconsistent and at the mercy of natural forces.
According to the World Economic Forum, nuclear energy fills these gaps by delivering high-capacity, emission-free power at a constant rate. Aside from reliability, nuclear energy can also provide more stable energy costs. As fossil fuels fluctuate based on global availability, nuclear power is less affected by fluctuations, making it easier for companies to predict budgeting and operational costs. By blending these sources, tech companies can ensure that their operations remain carbon-neutral, uninterrupted, and more cost-effective.
Nuclear Technology Promotes Innovation
Nuclear energy has been used in the United States since the 1950s to produce electricity, with the peak of operating reactors being in the early 1990s. Since then, the number of reactors across the country has declined, however, this does not mean innovation or upgrading of reactors has occurred. On the contrary, the generation of MWs has gone up as nuclear energy is seeing a resurgence as it is particularly suited to support energy-intensive tech industries.
Modern nuclear technology is designed to be safer and more efficient. Advanced reactors now use technologies like fluoride salt cooling or ceramic and graphite fuel forms to enhance safety by lowering the risks of radiation leaks. These types of technological advancements position nuclear energy as a viable alternative that aligns with stringent safety regulations and environmental standards.
Moreover, the scalability of modern nuclear technologies allows for more flexible deployment, such as the ability to place smaller reactors in remote locations. The versatility of nuclear energy makes it an attractive option for data centers, telecommunications, and other industries heavily reliant on continuous power supply while still reducing their energy footprint.
The Future of Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy’s growing importance can be seen through the collaboration between tech giants and nuclear developers. As companies work to adopt clean energy solutions, nuclear power’s carbon-free attributes and overall reliability make it a strong contender. With further advancements in nuclear safety and cost efficiency, this energy source could play a key role in achieving global sustainability goals and pave the way for broader adoption of nuclear technology across sectors.
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