AI is here in full force, growing more and more by the day. Especially at scale, AI requires substantial computational resources, which in turn necessitate more data center capacity. That means electricity – and a lot of it. Could nuclear be a solution? With nuclear startup Oklo Inc recently going public, it’s evident that the tech world is starting to embrace this option as a key source of cheap, reliable, and low-carbon power.
By 2030, AI will draw as much power as an entire country
The relationship between AI and power demand is undeniable. By 2030, AI could account for 3% to 4% of total global power demand. That’s enough consumption to make AI’s electricity use equal to that of countries like Russia or Japan. Largely as a result, power demand from data centers is expected to increase dramatically. In the U.S., that increase will be 80% between 2023 and 2030, reaching about 35 GW total. This is an enormous increase in electricity demand, with no plan yet in place to make up the difference.
Nuclear Startup Oklo Goes Public
Nucear energy company Oklo is one of the leaders of this nuclear revival. They focus on small modular reactors (SMRs), which are scalable, efficient, and cost-effective. The startup is backed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and recently went public. The company also recently partnered with Wyoming Hyperscale to deliver 100 megawatts to their data centers. SMRs could be a big part of the solution for data centers and AI, with plenty of potential to power large-scale operations sustainably.
Addressing Environmental Concerns
Critics of nuclear energy often cite safety and waste disposal as major concerns. However, advancements in nuclear technology, such as Oklo’s compact reactors, address these issues. Other companies, like DEEP ISOLATION, are working on safe nuclear waste storage options. The startup, headed by CEO Elizabeth Muller, uses horizontal drill hole technology to safely isolate spent nuclear fuelunder geologically stable and impermeable rock. The tech offers a solution that is both safe and lower cost than other options on the market.
Conclusion
Nuclear energy could be a much needed energy solution, particularly for the tech sector grappling with immense energy demands. It’s clear there is growing confidence in nuclear as a viable and sustainable option. As data centers and AI continue to evolve, embracing nuclear power not only ensures a cleaner future but also lays the foundation for reliable and affordable energy infrastructure.
