Data centers that fuel artificial intelligence and cloud computing are driving energy consumption and production to unprecedented levels. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that we could see global electricity usage skyrocket by as much as 75% by 2050, largely fueled by the tech industry’s ambitions in AI.
These data centers might soon require more electricity than entire cities combined, raising significant concerns. As leaders in the AI sector push for more technological advancements, they are finding their soaring energy demands increasingly in conflict with their sustainability targets.
Mark Nelson, managing director of Radiant Energy Group, highlighted the dilemma, saying, “A new data center requiring as much power as a city like Chicago can’t simply build its way out of this issue without a clear understanding of its energy requirements. These needs are constant, demanding 100% power, every minute, every day, all year round.”
In response to these growing demands, major tech companies, long focused on renewable energy sources, are beginning to explore nuclear power as a more efficient and sustainable solution. Companies such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta are among those exploring or investing in nuclear power projects. Their forays signal the start of a broader industry trend, driven by the intense energy demands of data centers and AI operations.
Michael Terrell, senior director of energy and climate at Google, pointed out, “Nuclear power offers numerous benefits—it’s a carbon-free electricity source that can operate continuously, offering significant economic advantages.”
While nuclear power had previously been sidelined due to fears about meltdowns and exaggerated safety risks, recent moves by tech giants are being hailed by experts as the onset of a “nuclear revival.” This movement could accelerate both national and international energy transformations.
For more insight into why major tech companies are turning to nuclear power, the challenges they encounter, and the timeline for realizing these nuclear ambitions, watch the video included above.
