However, the shift towards nuclear energy brings challenges such as sourcing highly enriched uranium fuel and managing nuclear waste. Microsoft has not yet clarified how it plans to address these issues. Meanwhile, Microsoft founder Bill Gates' company, TerraPower, is developing SMR designs, and Microsoft has agreed to purchase clean energy credits from a Canadian utility company planning to deploy an SMR. Other tech companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, are also considering nuclear energy as a solution to their energy needs.
Key takeaways:
- Microsoft is hiring a Principal Program Manager for Nuclear Technology to lead projects deploying next-generation nuclear reactors to power its data centers and AI operations.
- The company is considering nuclear energy to meet the high energy demands of its AI initiatives, which currently conflict with its goal of transitioning to renewable energy sources.
- Microsoft's plan involves the development and implementation of a global Small Modular Reactor (SMR) and microreactor energy strategy, which are expected to be simpler and more cost-effective than older, larger reactors.
- While this move could help meet Microsoft's energy needs, it also raises concerns about sourcing highly enriched uranium fuel, managing nuclear waste, and aligning with the company's environmental goals.