Tech Firms Bet on Nuclear to Power AI's Voracious Energy Needs
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Tech firms are investing in nuclear power to fuel energy-hungry AI systems and data centers. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman calls cheap, green energy and AI "mutually reinforcing."
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Oklo, a nuclear startup backed by Altman, wants to build small power plants to supply data centers and communities. But it has struggled to get regulators on board.
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Nuclear power makes up 19% of current US energy. Estimates suggest up to 800 more gigawatts will be needed by 2050 to meet green targets.
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Data center demand is surging, driving firms like Microsoft and Google to invest directly in nuclear companies and plants. Compact nuclear reactors can generate more energy per acre.
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While experts agree nuclear power is important for decarbonization, some warn the expansion shouldn't be rushed given nuclear's history of serious accidents.