Going nuclear again

Digital giants, Amazon, Google and Microsoft are all exploring the use of nuclear energy. Indeed, nuclear power, which has been under a PR cloud for decades, may make a big comeback as a direct consequence of the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and, to some extent, cryptocurrencies.

- DEVANGSHU DATTA

Google has partnered with Kairos Power to source energy from small nuclear plants to power its AI-driven data centres. Microsoft has a deal with Constellation to use energy from the Three Mile Island plant, which was the site of a major nuclear accident. Amazon, too, has agreements to invest in small modular reactors (SMRs) to meet its future energy needs.

The sophisticated manipulation of energy is inextricably linked to the sophistication of civilisations. The Egyptians used water-wheels and hydraulics to build their pyramids. The Age of Enlightenment was driven by steam. Electricity added many productive hours to the day and enabled innovations like the telegraph.

Power demand rises with economic growth, and even as AI promises to push the global economy into an upcycle, massive amounts of power will be needed for the data centres that are its lifeblood. Cryptocurrency mining also adds to power demand.

The spectre of climate change associated with high carbon footprints makes thermal power unattractive. Hence, the renewed interest in nuclear, which offers the advantages of thermal without the same carbon footprint.