California: The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing is driving energy consumption to unprecedented levels, with global electricity use projected to rise by as much as 75 per cent by 2050, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Data centers powering these technologies are becoming so energy-intensive that some could soon require more electricity than entire cities.
As the tech industry advances its AI ambitions, its energy requirements are increasingly clashing with sustainability goals. "A new data center requiring the same electricity as a city like Chicago can't simply build its way out of the problem without fully understanding its energy needs," managing director of Radiant Energy Group Mark Nelson said. These centers need a constant, uninterrupted power supply, operating 24/7, year-round.
Tech Leaders Turning To Nuclear Energy
In response to these challenges, tech leaders such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta are turning to nuclear energy, which offers a reliable and carbon-free solution to meet rising demands. Once sidelined due to safety concerns and public scepticism, Nuclear power is now gaining renewed interest for its efficiency and sustainability. Google’s senior director of energy and climate, Michael Terrell highlighted the advantages of nuclear energy: “It’s a carbon-free, always-on source of electricity that delivers significant economic benefits.”
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This shift signals the start of a ‘nuclear revival,’ with experts viewing these investments as pivotal in transforming global energy systems. By adopting nuclear power, the tech industry aims to address its growing energy needs while advancing toward its environmental goals, potentially setting a precedent for broader adoption of nuclear energy worldwide.
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