Will AI kickstart a new age of nuclear power?

Will AI kickstart a new age of nuclear power?

Will AI kickstart a new age of nuclear power?

https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/01/1166768

Publish Date: 2026-01-17 00:01:00

Source Domain: news.un.org

  • Exponential Growth of Electricity Demand: Global electricity demand is expected to grow significantly by 2035, primarily driven by the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI).
  • Data Centers and AI: AI-related data centers are consuming an extraordinary amount of electricity, equivalent to the power usage of entire sectors such as steel and chemical production.
  • Nuclear Energy as a Solution: Leading technologists and policymakers emphasize the need for clean, reliable zero-carbon electricity, highlighting nuclear power as a critical component to meet future energy demands.
  • Bullish Nuclear Investment: The nuclear power industry is experiencing significant growth, with many reactors under construction and large corporations supporting nuclear power increases globally.
  • Small Modular Reactors: Small modular reactors (SMRs) are being developed as a more immediate solution to supply power to data centers with fewer regional constraints and quicker deployment times than traditional nuclear plants.
  • International Collaboration: Countries across the globe, including the U.S., China, Russia, and the UAE, are actively investing in nuclear energy to support both their domestic and emerging AI sectors.
  • Future AI and Energy Prospects: Companies like Google are exploring novel methods such as space-based solar power networks to deliver the required energy for advanced AI systems.

These key points summarize the critical juncture at which the world finds itself in balancing technological growth with energy sustainability.