Why Big Tech Companies are Exploring Nuclear Power for Energy Needs

Why Big Tech Companies are Exploring Nuclear Power for Energy Needs

Sub: Sci

Sec: Nuclear

Why in News

Big tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are exploring nuclear energy, specifically Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), to power their energy-intensive operations such as AI training, data centers, and online services. These companies are recognizing nuclear energy as a potential source of clean, round-the-clock, carbon-free power.

Growing Energy Demands of Big Tech

Training AI models, ensuring constant online services, and maintaining large-scale data centres require enormous amounts of energy. In 2023, Google’s total global greenhouse gas emissions increased by 13%, reflecting the challenges of reducing emissions amidst growing computational demands.

Why Nuclear Energy?

Nuclear energy is seen as clean, carbon-free, and available round-the-clock, unlike solar and wind energy, which are intermittent. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with their smaller sizes and modular designs, allow for faster deployment and can cater to the energy needs of tech companies efficiently.

What are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)?

• SMRs are nuclear reactors with a maximum capacity of 300 MW, designed for modularity and flexibility.
• Unlike conventional NPPs, which have larger capacities, SMRs offer enhanced safety, scalability, and ease of deployment.
• SMRs often have passive safety features, simplified designs, and reduced potential for radioactive material release.
• Their smaller size allows for modular construction and potentially shorter construction timelines.
• SMRs can be installed at brownfield sites and repurpose existing infrastructure, reducing land acquisition challenges associated with larger NPPs.
• These differences make SMRs particularly suited for supporting grid stability, complementing intermittent renewables, and enhancing energy security.
• SMRs boast improved safety through innovative design features, leading to a lower likelihood of core damage and contamination.
• The reduced amount of spent nuclear fuel generated by SMRs simplifies waste management and reduces long-term storage requirements.
• Higher capacity factors and extended operational lifespans enhance their economic viability.
• According to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, SMRs can potentially operate for up to 60 years, maintaining high-capacity factors.

Concerns Surrounding Nuclear Energy:

• Public perception of nuclear energy is tainted by historic disasters like Ukraine’s Chernobyl (1986) and Japan’s Fukushima (2011). These incidents had long-term environmental and health impacts, which still influence public opinion on nuclear power.
• In 1979, the Three Mile Island accident in the U.S. was caused by human error and equipment malfunction, releasing radioactive gases. Although it had limited impact on the population, it is considered one of the worst nuclear incidents in U.S. history.
• Organizations like ‘Friends of the Earth’ argue that nuclear energy is dangerous, expensive, and has a history of accidents and leaks. They also highlight concerns about nuclear plants being built in earthquake-prone regions.