GOING NUCLEAR

As Al-driven energy demand spikes, big tech companies look for new ways to meet climate pledges

- DAMIEN MARTIN

Big tech companies have set ambitious net zero goals for themselves. They've also leaned heavily into Al, which uses a lot of energy. After 2023 saw the world's highest energy demand to date, the demand continues to rise. According to the IEA, energy demand in 2026 is on pace to more than double 2022's. To keep on track, big tech is turning to nuclear energy, making big investments in small modular reactors.

INFLECTION POINT

Google and Microsoft have pledged to be net zero carbon by 2030, but Google reports its emissions have gone up 48% since 2019, and Microsoft's are up 31% since 2020. Amazon, which has a 2040 net zero pledge, has seen its Scope 1 emissions go up by 11%. Most of the increases stems from new or expanded data centers, which are on track to account for nearly a tenth of U.S. energy use by 2030.

“Al is driving a significant increase in the amount of data centers and power that are required on the grid,” Kevin Miller, Amazon Web Services’ vice president of global data centers, told The Associated Press. “We view advanced new nuclear capacity as really key and essential.”