The surge in artificial intelligence is driving unprecedented electricity demand, pushing data centers to consume power at rates comparable to entire nations. Projections indicate global data center electricity use could double to around 945 terawatt-hours by 2030, equivalent to Japan’s current total consumption (International Energy Agency, “Energy and AI” report, 2025).
This growth stems largely from AI training and operations, which require massive, continuous computing resources. As grids face strain, nuclear energy emerges as a vital solution for providing reliable, low-carbon, round-the-clock power that renewables alone cannot fully deliver.
AI’s Explosive Energy Appetite
Artificial intelligence relies on vast data centers filled with high-performance servers. A single medium-sized facility can demand electricity equivalent to 100,000 households. The International Energy Agency reports that data centers consumed about 460 terawatt-hours globally in 2024, with AI-driven workloads accelerating this figure dramatically.
In the United States, data centers are projected to account for nearly half of electricity demand growth through 2030. By the end of the decade, AI-related power use in the country could surpass the combined consumption of energy-intensive industries like aluminum, steel, cement, and chemicals. Globally, AI-optimized servers are expected to grow electricity needs by 30 percent annually in baseline scenarios.
This boom places immense pressure on electrical grids. In regions like Virginia and parts of Europe, data centers already consume significant shares of local power, leading to interconnection delays and higher costs. Tech companies seek stable, zero-carbon sources to meet sustainability goals while scaling AI innovation.
Nuclear Power Steps Up as the Reliable Backbone
Nuclear energy offers key advantages: low-carbon output, high reliability, and the ability to deliver constant power regardless of weather conditions. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has emphasized that only nuclear meets the criteria of round-the-clock availability, grid stability, and scalability needed for AI expansion.
Currently, 439 reactors operate worldwide, providing about 10 percent of global electricity. Around 70 reactors are under construction, with many in Asia (World Nuclear Association, updated January 2026). China leads with aggressive builds, while the United States, France, and the United Kingdom advance new projects.
Tech giants are actively investing. Microsoft signed a 20-year agreement to restart Three Mile Island’s Unit 1 in Pennsylvania, supplying carbon-free power to its data centers. The project, supported by federal loans, aims for operations by 2027 or 2028, marking a symbolic revival of a site tied to the 1979 accident (though the operating unit was unaffected).
Google has pursued small modular reactors (SMRs) through agreements with Kairos Power, targeting multiple deployments for up to 500 MW by 2035. The first commercial units could come online around 2030, offering factory-built, safer designs deployable near data centers to avoid grid constraints.
These partnerships reflect a broader trend. Major players like Amazon and Meta explore similar nuclear deals, recognizing that nuclear complements renewables in a diversified clean energy mix.
The Promise of Small Modular Reactors
Small modular reactors represent a game-changer for meeting AI’s urgent needs. Unlike traditional large plants, which take a decade or more to build, SMRs feature smaller footprints, enhanced safety features, and shorter construction timelines.
Key Benefits of SMRs:
- Scalability: Units range from tens to hundreds of megawatts, allowing incremental deployment.
- Flexibility: They can co-locate with data centers, reducing transmission losses and easing grid pressure.
- Safety: Advanced designs incorporate passive cooling and inherent stability.
China’s Linglong One (ACP100), the world’s first commercial onshore SMR, is slated for operations in 2026. This milestone could accelerate global adoption. In the United States, projects like Kairos Power’s Hermes series and others aim for deployment in the early 2030s.
The IAEA supports these efforts through regulatory collaboration and safety frameworks, ensuring innovation aligns with the highest standards.
Global Momentum and Regional Highlights
China dominates new builds, with about half of global reactors under construction. It advances both large-scale plants and SMRs while leading in AI development.
Europe sees renewed commitment. France and the United Kingdom expand nuclear capacity to power dense digital hubs in cities like Frankfurt and London. Poland accelerates its program.
United States benefits from policy support, including executive actions to streamline approvals. Restart projects and new investments address grid strain in high-demand areas.
Other regions, including the Middle East (UAE) and Japan, invest in nuclear alongside data center growth.
Challenges Ahead
Despite optimism, hurdles remain. SMR commercialization faces regulatory delays, with most large-scale deployments not expected until the 2030s. Supply chain issues, skilled workforce shortages, and public perception persist. Near-term demand may rely more on natural gas and existing nuclear capacity.
However, the combination of AI growth and climate goals drives momentum. Nuclear’s role in providing firm, low-carbon power positions it for resurgence.
A New Era for Energy and Innovation
The convergence of AI and nuclear power signals a transformative shift. As data centers power the next wave of technological progress, nuclear energy provides the dependable foundation for sustainable expansion. With commitments from governments, industry leaders, and tech companies, this partnership could redefine global energy systems, ensuring reliable power for an AI-driven future while advancing decarbonization goals.
