In a world increasingly powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and digital connectivity, the energy demands of data centers and other infrastructure are reaching unprecedented levels. This escalating need for power has prompted leading technology figures to champion nuclear energy as a cornerstone of the future energy landscape. Among these visionaries is Sam Altman, best known for his role as CEO of OpenAI, but also a key player in advancing nuclear technology through his chairmanship of Oklo.
Oklo, founded in 2013, is pioneering advanced nuclear reactors designed to deliver abundant, affordable, and clean energy. The company’s reactors, known as fast reactors, aim to maximize energy efficiency by utilizing spent nuclear fuel. This innovative approach could address two critical challenges simultaneously: reducing nuclear waste and meeting the soaring energy needs of data-driven industries. Oklo’s progress has been notable, with regulatory approvals for site investigations and agreements to supply power to data centers already in place.
The urgency of this mission is underscored by staggering statistics. Since 2020, electricity consumption by U.S. data centers has increased by 50%, and it now constitutes 4% of the nation’s total energy use. By 2030, this figure could rise to 9%, according to UBS analysts. Such growth threatens to overwhelm traditional energy sources, making nuclear power an attractive alternative for companies seeking stability and sustainability.
Microsoft’s efforts exemplify this trend. In September, the company announced plans to revive a nuclear reactor at Three Mile Island by 2028, marking a significant step toward integrating nuclear power into its operations. Amazon and Meta are following suit, securing long-term agreements to ensure their data centers remain operational in an increasingly competitive energy market. Anna Erickson, a nuclear engineering expert at Georgia Tech, highlights the appeal: “Data centers require uninterrupted power, which nuclear energy can provide, unlike solar or wind that depend on weather conditions.”
However, the tech industry’s foray into nuclear energy is not without controversy. Critics like Edwin Lyman of the Union of Concerned Scientists caution against the potential for deregulation driven by powerful Silicon Valley players. “The tech industry’s push to expedite nuclear projects could undermine critical safety measures,” Lyman warned. These concerns are compounded by historical issues with nuclear projects in the United States, including delays, cost overruns, and challenges in sourcing enriched uranium due to geopolitical conflicts.
Despite these hurdles, there is strong governmental and international support for expanding nuclear capacity. President Joe Biden’s Advance Act, signed in July, simplifies the permitting process for new reactors, while the United States and over 20 other nations pledged to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050 at the COP28 climate summit. These commitments reflect a growing consensus that nuclear energy is indispensable for achieving global decarbonization goals.
Prominent figures like Bill Gates have been vocal advocates of nuclear innovation. Gates’ TerraPower is building a demonstration plant in Wyoming that features a groundbreaking Natrium reactor design. Unlike traditional reactors, Natrium uses sodium for cooling, which enhances safety and efficiency. Gates views these advancements as critical to combating climate change, describing nuclear energy as “a vital component of a zero-carbon energy future.”
Fusion technology offers another promising avenue. General Fusion, backed by tech leaders including Jeff Bezos, is developing reactors that combine atoms instead of splitting them. Fusion’s potential lies in its safety and minimal radioactive waste, though practical deployment remains years away. Megan Wilson, the company’s Chief Strategy Officer, emphasized its transformative potential: “Fusion reactors could revolutionize energy generation, providing clean, reliable power with a safety profile akin to medical facilities.”
For tech leaders like Altman, investing in nuclear energy is both a strategic and ethical decision. AI’s transformative potential demands an equally transformative energy solution, one that ensures reliability without exacerbating climate change. As Oklo CEO Jacob DeWitte noted, “Nuclear energy is uniquely positioned to meet the demands of an AI-powered future, offering scalability, cleanliness, and resilience.”
Yet, questions remain about the broader implications of this nuclear renaissance. Critics argue that these investments primarily serve corporate interests, potentially sidelining public benefits. Nevertheless, the momentum generated by tech industry involvement could accelerate innovation, making nuclear power more accessible and viable for a wider array of applications.
The unfolding narrative of nuclear energy and its intersection with AI highlights the complexities of modern energy challenges. As tech titans reshape the energy landscape, their efforts may well determine the trajectory of both technological and environmental progress in the decades to come.
