In a significant move towards sustainable energy, major tech companies including Google, Amazon, and Microsoft are increasingly turning to nuclear power to meet the soaring energy demands of their data centers. On October 4, 2024, Google CEO Sundar Pichai revealed that the company is exploring nuclear energy options as part of its strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.
Pichai emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the scale of investment in artificial intelligence has intensified the company's energy requirements. Google is evaluating various clean energy sources, including solar and small modular nuclear reactors, although specific timelines for implementation remain undisclosed.
This shift towards nuclear energy is not isolated. Amazon has already secured a $650 million agreement to purchase electricity from the Susquehanna nuclear power station, while Microsoft has committed to a 20-year energy purchase agreement with the Three Mile Island nuclear plant, which is set to restart operations in 2028.
The trend reflects a broader recognition among tech giants of the need for reliable and sustainable energy solutions in the face of increasing global energy consumption and climate change challenges. As these companies pursue ambitious sustainability goals, their reliance on nuclear power could have significant implications for the energy sector and the global push for cleaner energy sources.