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In a world where technology constantly evolves and environmental concerns grow, a surprising shift is taking place among the giants of the tech industry. Companies like Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft are investing heavily in nuclear energy—a source once considered outdated. This pivot comes as they grapple with the soaring energy demands of artificial intelligence and data centers, all while striving to uphold their commitments to sustainability. But what has prompted this renewed interest in nuclear energy, and why is it becoming a crucial part of their strategies?
The energy demands of AI
The explosion of generative AI has triggered an insatiable need for electricity. In 2024, data centers consumed around 1.5% of global electricity—a figure that has been climbing by about 12% annually for the past five years, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Projections suggest that by 2030, this consumption could skyrocket to 945 terawatt hours, which is roughly equivalent to Japan’s entire electricity usage today. The United States, Europe, and China, which collectively account for 85% of this demand, are under immense pressure to enhance their power infrastructure rapidly. However, this escalating energy need carries significant environmental consequences. The IEA estimates that carbon emissions from data centers could rise from 180 million tonnes of CO2 today to 300 million tonnes by 2035 if cleaner energy sources are not adopted. For tech giants known for their commitment to sustainability and innovation, this trajectory is simply unacceptable. Microsoft’s ambition to become carbon-negative by 2030 and Amazon’s aim for net-zero emissions by 2040 are not mere aspirations; they are essential business strategies in an era of increasing scrutiny.
The shortcomings of renewable energy
For years, solar and wind energy have been the cornerstones of decarbonization efforts among major tech firms. These renewable sources have helped lower emissions and enhanced corporate images. Yet, as the relentless energy demands of AI-driven data centers continue to grow, the limitations of renewables are becoming increasingly evident. Solar and wind power are inherently intermittent, dependent on weather patterns that cannot guarantee the constant energy output that data centers require. Often, companies need to rely on expensive battery storage or fossil fuel backups to fill the gaps, which contradicts their cost-efficiency and carbon-neutral goals. Additionally, renewable projects require significant land. For instance, a 1 GW solar farm necessitates around 5,000 acres, while a nuclear facility producing the same amount of power occupies less than 1,000 acres—a significant advantage for data centers located near urban areas where land is scarce. When it comes to capacity factors, the data tells a similar story. Solar and wind operate at only 20-40% of their potential due to downtime caused by weather or darkness. In contrast, nuclear power maintains a capacity factor of 90-95%, providing a steady supply of electricity. For tech companies that rely on constant uptime, relying solely on renewables is no longer a viable option. This quest for a reliable, low-carbon alternative has led them to nuclear energy.
Nuclear power as a strategic solution
Nuclear energy presents a compelling combination of benefits that align with the operational and environmental goals of Big Tech. First and foremost, it offers baseload power—steady, round-the-clock electricity that data centers require. Unlike renewable energy sources, nuclear reactors are unaffected by weather fluctuations, ensuring consistent performance. Moreover, nuclear power produces no direct carbon emissions, making it essential for achieving net-zero goals. Its smaller land footprint also allows for substantial power production with minimal space, making it ideal for densely populated areas where data centers operate. The economic factors surrounding nuclear energy further enhance its attractiveness. Although initial investment costs can be high, nuclear plants typically have operational lifespans of 60-80 years and low fuel costs, providing predictable pricing when compared to the volatility of fossil fuels or fluctuating renewable subsidies. This stability is particularly appealing for tech giants making long-term infrastructure investments.
Big Tech’s bold nuclear investments
In the past year, an unprecedented wave of nuclear investments has emerged, with tech companies not just purchasing power but actively reshaping the nuclear landscape. Google, known for its commitment to clean energy, made headlines in October 2024 with a groundbreaking agreement to acquire 500 MW of carbon-free power from Kairos Power’s small modular reactors (SMRs) by 2030. Just a few months later, in May 2025, Google doubled down by committing early-stage capital to Elementl Power for three U.S. reactor sites totaling 1.8 GW, positioning itself as a financial backer of nuclear innovation. Amazon is taking similar strides. In October 2024, Amazon Web Services (AWS) partnered with nuclear developers to explore deploying SMRs near its Virginia data centers, with plans to provide 5 GW by 2040. A $500 million investment in X-Energy’s 320-MW SMR project in Washington state and a memorandum of understanding with Dominion to advance SMRs in Virginia underscores Amazon’s determination to achieve net-zero by 2040. Microsoft is also changing the game. In September 2024, it signed a 20-year agreement with Constellation Energy to restart Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island Unit 1 reactor, which has been dormant since 2019. By 2028, this project will deliver over 800 MW of clean power to Microsoft’s data centers. Additionally, Microsoft is exploring SMRs and microreactors across its global network, with pilot projects planned for 2025. Even Meta is getting involved, having issued a request for proposals in 2024 to secure 1-4 GW of new nuclear capacity in the U.S., aligning its AI ambitions with sustainability goals. Companies like Oracle and OpenAI are also entering the fray, with Oracle planning to power data centers with SMRs by 2030.
The future of nuclear innovation
The resurgence of interest in nuclear energy is being driven by technological advancements, particularly in the realm of small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors. Unlike traditional 1 GW reactors, SMRs produce between 50-300 MW per unit and offer scalability and lower costs through factory-built designs that can significantly reduce construction timelines. Microreactors, generating 1-20 MW, provide flexibility for smaller or remote data centers and can be deployed in under two years. Companies like Kairos Power, X-Energy, and NuScale Power are leading the charge, supported by investments from tech giants. Additionally, regulatory changes are accelerating adoption; the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is streamlining SMR licensing, and the Department of Energy’s $900 million allocation for SMR deployment in 2024 has spurred private investment.
The horizon for nuclear energy in Big Tech
The transition to nuclear energy represents more than just a practical response to the energy demands of AI; it signifies a strategic commitment to a future where reliability, sustainability, and innovation intersect. By investing in advanced reactors and supporting nuclear development, tech companies are not only securing long-term energy supplies but also redefining their role in the global energy transition. As data centers proliferate and AI reshapes various industries, nuclear power is emerging as a vital component of Big Tech’s strategy.
The message is clear for Amazon, Google, Meta, and their peers: while renewables remain crucial, nuclear power is essential. In a landscape where energy is the lifeblood of progress, these companies are placing substantial bets on nuclear energy to illuminate their paths forward.