February 3, 2023. The United States is poised to embrace nuclear power as a critical energy source, driven by the insatiable energy demands of artificial intelligence (AI) development.
The energy required to train AI models is immense. One estimate suggests that training GPT-3 consumes the same amount of energy as 130 U.S. homes annually.
As AI advances towards general and super artificial intelligence (AGI/ASI), the energy requirements will escalate, exceeding the capacity of current renewable energy sources.
Nuclear energy is emerging as a viable solution. Big Tech companies, leading the AI race, are investing heavily in nuclear energy. Microsoft aims to reopen Three Mile Island, while Amazon and Google are investing in smaller reactors. Meta has issued a request for proposals to source and produce its own nuclear energy.
The government's role is crucial. The Biden administration recognizes the energy challenges of scalable AI infrastructure. The Trump administration, with its focus on energy independence, may also support nuclear power.
The U.S. government's support will be essential to address public perception issues and regulatory concerns surrounding nuclear energy.
While nuclear energy is not renewable, advancements in efficiency and uranium extraction could extend its lifespan.
The intersection of AI and energy presents a compelling opportunity for the U.S. to lead in both technological innovation and clean energy production.