The Great Big Power Play

2025-12-30 · Source: WIRED - Ai · Field: Energy & Utilities — Nuclear Energy & Advanced Technologies, Energy Markets & Policy · Depth: Intermediate, quick

Summary

The Trump administration is renewing its push to bolster nuclear and coal power, framing nuclear energy as a critical solution for the escalating energy demands of artificial intelligence. This initiative mirrors a similar, unsuccessful effort in 2017 to subsidize struggling coal and nuclear plants. Since 2020, three nuclear plants have shut down, and two of four reactors started since 2000 faced construction halts after a decade and billions of dollars due to scandal. Coal's share of the US power mix has declined to 17 percent from 45 percent in 2010. However, the administration's 2025 strategy includes executive orders to construct 10 new large reactors by 2030 and a Department of Energy pilot program. Tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft are also investing in nuclear power for data centers, with Microsoft joining the World Nuclear Association and backing the restart of Three Mile Island with a $1 billion federal loan. Despite this renewed interest and high public support, the high construction costs and uncertain timelines for nuclear projects raise doubts about its long-term viability.

Key takeaway

For CTOs and VPs of Engineering assessing future data center energy strategies, recognize that while nuclear power is gaining significant political and tech industry backing due to AI's demands, its practical deployment faces substantial hurdles. Your long-term energy planning should account for the high construction costs and extended timelines inherent in nuclear projects, even with government subsidies and tech investments. Diversify energy sourcing and critically evaluate claims of rapid nuclear deployment.

Key insights

AI's growing energy demands are driving a renewed, yet uncertain, push for nuclear power in the US.

Principles

• High construction costs impede nuclear power adoption.
• Political will and tech investment can revive energy sectors.

In practice

• Tech companies are investing in nuclear for data center power.
• Retired nuclear reactors are being considered for restarts.

Topics

• AI Energy Demand
• Nuclear Power Resurgence
• Energy Policy
• Data Center Power
• Small Modular Reactors

Best for: CTO, VP of Engineering/Data, Director of AI/ML, Policy Maker, Executive, Investor

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by WIRED - Ai.