U.S. Energy Secretary highlighted the critical role of reliable and affordable electricity in advancing artificial intelligence technology during a visit to Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory. He likened the current scientific endeavors to a modern-day Manhattan Project, emphasizing the need for robust infrastructure to support the growing demands of the tech sector.
The U.S. has been a leader in nuclear electricity generation, supplying nearly 20% of the nation's total annual electricity since 1990. Despite its proven track record, nuclear power constitutes a smaller portion of the global energy mix. Many states are turning to nuclear energy to power data centers and support AI development.
Several states, including Arizona and California, are investing in nuclear power plants to meet their energy needs. Private companies are also exploring advanced reactor technologies, with one project led by Bill Gates' TerraPower in Wyoming.
However, the mining and disposal of uranium fuel remain contentious issues, with environmentalists raising concerns about legacy contamination and spent fuel storage. Efforts are underway to find long-term solutions for managing nuclear waste.
The Trump administration and the Biden administration have both expressed support for nuclear power as a clean energy source. Plans are in place to expand nuclear capacity in the U.S. by 2050, with a focus on removing regulatory barriers to innovation in the nuclear sector.
As the nation looks to bolster its energy infrastructure for the AI era, nuclear power is poised to play a significant role in meeting the growing electricity demands of the technology sector.
