Amazon, Google, Microsoft and other big tech companies are turning to nuclear power to power AI, which needs more power as it grows more complex. Last month, Amazon invested $500 million in nuclear power, and Google signed its first nuclear power agreement. In September, Microsoft moved to reopen Three Mile Island, a three-mile nuclear plant near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to power its AI power needs.
Not all of Big Tech’s nuclear efforts have gone smoothly: Earlier this month, Meta’s plans to open a nuclear power plant were put on hold when the company discovered a strange species of bee near the facility. Meta also faced regulatory challenges trying to open the facility.
James Walker is the CEO of NANO Nuclear Energy, the first nuclear microreactor company listed on the NASDAQ. The microreactor is small enough to be moved by a truck, and it converts the heat from the nuclear reactor into electricity.
At the time of this writing, the NANO market was estimated at $700 million; was established in 2022.
Related: Google Follows Microsoft’s Lead with AI Power
In an exclusive interview, Walker told A businessman about the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear power and the most difficult part of building a nuclear reactor. He also pointed out areas where new businesses can develop. Answers are edited for length and clarity.
Entrepreneur: What are the advantages and disadvantages of opening nuclear power plants?
Walker: On the one hand, it brings online a large, established source of reliable, carbon-free energy — something important as energy needs increase.
The downside is that older plants require significant upgrades to meet modern safety standards, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
Does nuclear power create a viable alternative to traditional methods of powering AI?
Definitely. AI-driven data centers need consistent, high-output power around the clock, and traditional renewables like solar and wind, while important, can’t provide that alone.
Related: Will It Take Nuclear Power to Support AI? Microsoft Is Betting On It.
Nuclear power, especially with innovations such as microreactors, offers a sustainable, carbon-free energy source well suited to the needs of AI. It’s an important piece of the puzzle if we want to continue pushing the boundaries in AI without running into power limits.
Why start a nuclear power company?
Fossil fuels have gotten us far, but we know they are not sustainable and not efficient enough to support future energy needs.
Nuclear power, especially with the development of microreactor technology, gives us a unique way to produce clean, consistent energy that can be installed anywhere, giving it a huge advantage over all other renewables.
Related: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Says Nuclear Power Is ‘A Great Way Forward’ to Keep AI Data Centers Running
Are there areas or industries where you see problems that new businesses can solve?
One area ripe for innovation is the energy storage and broader renewables sector. Battery technology is advancing, but it is still possible for new businesses to find ways to store, distribute and efficiently use renewable energy.
Another big area is the transportation of fuel and nuclear material, especially safe and cost-effective handling.
In addition, we need more solutions for recycling and reducing waste in energy production – not just in nuclear, but in all sectors. There is a huge market for new ideas that can keep costs down while directly addressing environmental concerns.
Related: Amazon Will Go Nuclear, Joins Big Tech in Race for More Power: ‘There Won’t Be Enough Wind and Solar to Meet Demand’
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