Tech giants turn to nuclear power to meet growing AI demands

Amazon, Google and Microsoft are investing heavily in nuclear energy to meet the massive power demands of AI and data centers while aiming for zero emissions.

Ivan Penn and Karen Weise report for The New York Times.

In short:

• Microsoft, Google and Amazon are striking deals to power AI and data centers with nuclear energy due to its reliability and lack of emissions.
• Small modular reactors, though unproven, are attracting investment as a potentially cheaper, scalable alternative to traditional nuclear plants.
• Critics warn that cost overruns, delays and unresolved waste storage issues continue to challenge nuclear energy projects.

Key quote:

“They have a desire to grow all this in a sustainable way, and at the moment the best answer is nuclear.”

— Aneesh Prabhu, managing director at S&P Global Ratings.

Why this matters:

AI and data centers demand increasing amounts of energy, and nuclear power offers a low-emission, reliable alternative. However, persistent concerns about costs and nuclear waste management remain key hurdles.

Learn more:

• AI's surging power use raises environmental concerns
• AI's environmental cost includes massive water and power usage
• AI's hidden energy and water costs remain untracked