Microsoft Eyes Next-Gen Nuclear Reactors to Power Data Centers

Microsoft is exploring using next-generation nuclear reactors to power its data centers and AI ambitions, according to a new job listing.
Small modular reactors (SMRs) are seen as cheaper and easier to build than traditional large reactors, but still have challenges around fuel supply and nuclear waste.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is a major proponent of nuclear energy to combat climate change. His company TerraPower is developing SMR designs.
Microsoft already has a deal to buy clean energy credits from a Canadian utility deploying North America's first SMR.
Microsoft also made a deal to buy electricity from Helion, a startup developing futuristic fusion reactors, though those are likely decades away from being viable.

theverge.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/25/2023

Microsoft Eyes Nuclear Power for AI Cloud

Microsoft is seeking a nuclear expert to assess the integration of small modular nuclear reactors to power its data centers as part of their AI operations.

9/25/2023

Microsoft Hiring Manager to Lead Effort to Power Data Centers with Nuclear Reactors

Microsoft is hiring a Principal Program Manager Nuclear Technology to lead the integration of Small Modular Reactors and microreactors to power datacenters and develop a global energy strategy.

10/1/2023

Microsoft Exploring Using Nuclear Power to Support Energy-Hungry AI Systems

Microsoft is planning to power its large language models using nuclear reactors, with the goal of reducing the power-intensive process's carbon footprint and reliance on traditional energy sources.

10/1/2023

Microsoft Seeks Nuclear Expert to Lead AI Energy Plans

Microsoft is forming a team to advance its artificial intelligence plans by hiring professionals to develop an energy strategy based on Small Modular Reactors and microreactor energy.

10/2/2023

AI's Massive Energy Use Raises Concerns; Companies Explore Nuclear Power Despite Risks

Big Tech companies like OpenAI and Microsoft are investing in nuclear power as a potential energy source for their energy-intensive AI models, despite the controversy surrounding nuclear energy's sustainability and waste management. Some experts argue that reducing energy consumption and increasing transparency are more efficient and environmentally friendly solutions to address the growing energy needs of AI.

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Posted 9/26/2023, 2:32:37 PM

Microsoft Eyes Next-Gen Nuclear Reactors to Power Data Centers

Microsoft is exploring using next-generation nuclear reactors to power its data centers and AI ambitions, according to a new job listing.
Small modular reactors (SMRs) are seen as cheaper and easier to build than traditional large reactors, but still have challenges around fuel supply and nuclear waste.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is a major proponent of nuclear energy to combat climate change. His company TerraPower is developing SMR designs.
Microsoft already has a deal to buy clean energy credits from a Canadian utility deploying North America's first SMR.
Microsoft also made a deal to buy electricity from Helion, a startup developing futuristic fusion reactors, though those are likely decades away from being viable.

theverge.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/25/2023

Microsoft Eyes Nuclear Power for AI Cloud

Microsoft is seeking a nuclear expert to assess the integration of small modular nuclear reactors to power its data centers as part of their AI operations.

9/25/2023

Microsoft Hiring Manager to Lead Effort to Power Data Centers with Nuclear Reactors

Microsoft is hiring a Principal Program Manager Nuclear Technology to lead the integration of Small Modular Reactors and microreactors to power datacenters and develop a global energy strategy.

10/1/2023

Microsoft Exploring Using Nuclear Power to Support Energy-Hungry AI Systems

Microsoft is planning to power its large language models using nuclear reactors, with the goal of reducing the power-intensive process's carbon footprint and reliance on traditional energy sources.

10/1/2023

Microsoft Seeks Nuclear Expert to Lead AI Energy Plans

Microsoft is forming a team to advance its artificial intelligence plans by hiring professionals to develop an energy strategy based on Small Modular Reactors and microreactor energy.

10/2/2023

AI's Massive Energy Use Raises Concerns; Companies Explore Nuclear Power Despite Risks