Interest in SMRs is high due to their small physical footprint, zero CO2 emissions during operations, and potential to produce 35MW of power. However, it is unclear whether SMRs can help Microsoft reduce costs or its carbon footprint, as the reactors are years, possibly decades, away from being permitted to operate in the US or Europe. The company's job ad does not set specific goals for its nuclear program, only mentioning the development of a strategy for SMRs and microreactors.
Key takeaways:
- Microsoft is hiring a Principal Program Manager Nuclear Technology to oversee its efforts to power datacenters with nuclear reactors, specifically Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and microreactors.
- SMRs and microreactors are small, portable nuclear fission power plants that are less complex and risky than conventional nuclear plants, and are thought to be capable of producing 35MW of power from a small physical footprint.
- Microsoft's interest in nuclear technology is part of its plan to achieve carbon-negative status by 2030, as energy is a major expense for datacenter operators.
- However, the feasibility of using SMRs and microreactors is uncertain, as they are years away from being permitted to operate in the US or Europe, and their cost-effectiveness and community acceptance are hard to predict.