Nuclear Power Tapped to Meet AI’s Growing Energy Demands
With Artificial Intelligence (AI) growing in geopolitical and economic significance, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright asserted that greater emphasis be laid on using nuclear power to serve the increasing energy needs of AI-based data centers in a report by ORF Middle East.
Wright's latest remarks while in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar for a visit in April indicate that there is a realization of nuclear power's central position in powering the future of AI. President Donald Trump also plans to discuss these energy concerns on his trip later this month in May 2025.
Increasing Energy Demands from Data Centers
The fast pace of AI development is directly attributed to the growing power needs of data centers, which are used to train AI models.
Data centers already consume about 1.5% of global electricity, and this is expected to grow substantially by 2030, as reported by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
The acceleration in AI needs puts enormous strain on current energy infrastructure, leading to a necessity for a shift towards a trustworthy and sustainable mix of energy sources.
Nuclear Energy: The Trustworthy Answer
Wind and solar are indispensable in addressing the energy needs but are constrained by factors such as intermittency and high infrastructure expenditures. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) have become an attractive alternative.
As per ORF Middle East, SMRs provide rapid deployment, reduced land footprints, and the capability to deliver constant, low-carbon power on-site, lessening dependence on conventional power grids. These features make SMRs particularly important in meeting the growing energy demand from AI and data centers.
Tech Industry Commitment to Nuclear Power
International tech giants are increasingly coming together with nuclear power to enable the energy demands of AI. Google, Meta, and Amazon have committed to tripling nuclear capacity worldwide by 2050, acknowledging the demand for strong energy sources to enable AI growth.
Collaborations among technology companies and nuclear operators, like Microsoft and Constellation or Google and Kairos Power, further reinforce the increasing synergy between AI and nuclear power.
Also read: Schneider Electric Highlights AI’s Growing Role in US Energy Demand
Nuclear Energy Investments in the Middle East and Asia
Nations such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and India are investing heavily in nuclear power to secure the future development of AI.
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and Abu Dhabi's G42 are investing billions in AI and clean energy projects. India's proposal for a 100 GW nuclear energy infrastructure by 2047 also reflects the worldwide trend of combining nuclear power with AI development.
