Kairos Power, backed by Google, is developing reactors using molten fluoride salt, while Oklo, supported by Sam Altman, is working on liquid metal-cooled reactors. Saltfoss plans to deploy SMRs on ships, and TerraPower, founded by Bill Gates, is building a larger reactor with molten salt energy storage. X-Energy, supported by Amazon, is developing high-temperature, gas-cooled reactors. These initiatives reflect a broader trend of tech companies investing in advanced nuclear technologies to meet their growing energy needs.
Key takeaways:
- Artificial intelligence has increased electricity demand in the U.S., leading Big Tech companies to invest in nuclear fission for stable power.
- New small modular reactor (SMR) designs are gaining interest due to their potential cost-effectiveness and scalability, despite none being built in the U.S. yet.
- Big Tech companies like Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft are investing in or signing agreements with nuclear startups for future power supply.
- Startups like Kairos Power, Oklo, Saltfoss, TerraPower, and X-Energy are developing innovative nuclear technologies with backing from prominent investors and tech companies.