Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant future—it’s here, learning, evolving, and transforming industries by the day. But behind AI’s rapid rise lies a problem that we don’t talk about enough: its insatiable demand for energy. As AI grows, so does its appetite for power, pushing tech companies into a race to secure energy supply that can keep up with the massive demands. This isn't just about keeping the lights on—it’s about finding power sources that are reliable, sustainable, and capable of running around the clock.
Microsoft Buying Nukes
The recent explosion of AI has big tech companies like Microsoft paying hefty premiums for clean, reliable energy to feed their data centers. Case in point: Microsoft’s recent deal to source power from soon-to-be-restarted Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Pennsylvania. The price? At least $100 per megawatt-hour—nearly double what you’d pay for wind or solar in the same region. This nuclear deal, set to power Microsoft’s AI systems by 2028, highlights the uncomfortable truth- that as we push the boundaries of what AI can do, we'll also be putting immense strain on the current energy systems that power it.
Well That's One Way To Do It
While AI promises to help us tackle global challenges, from climate modeling to healthcare breakthroughs, its relentless need for energy could also be the driving force behind the revival of a critical clean energy source—nuclear power. After decades of stagnation and skepticism, nuclear power is being revitalized to meet the massive energy needs of big tech. Unlike wind and solar, nuclear provides clean, reliable power 24/7, and it’s one of the few solutions that can operate at the scale needed for AI’s data centers. Microsoft’s investment in Three Mile Island reflects a broader shift in how we view nuclear energy—not as a relic of the past, but as a critical part of our clean energy future. With ongoing advancements in nuclear fusion, we’re entering an era where nuclear power could become the backbone of sustainable energy infrastructure not only for AI and big tech, but for our everyday power as well.
Conclusion
So, maybe AI isn’t here to destroy the world after all—maybe it's actually helping save us by making nuclear energy economically viable again. With tech giants like Microsoft leading the charge, AI’s energy needs might just be the push we needed to bring clean, round-the-clock power like nuclear back into the spotlight. As AI continues to grow, the real challenge will be making sure it drives us toward sustainable solutions, not further away. Maybe AI will help us save the planet, instead of take it over. However, if we still can't come together to cut emissions, maybe it should be taking over after all...
