In a striking pivot from the realms of software and artificial intelligence, tech moguls are steering their vast resources toward a surprising frontier: nuclear energy. Sam Altman, widely recognized as the visionary CEO of OpenAI, is also the chairman of Oklo, a company aiming to revolutionize nuclear power. Oklo’s advanced nuclear technology seeks to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time: the surging demand for clean, reliable energy.
The exponential growth of data centers—integral to both AI advancements and our digitally connected world—is creating unprecedented energy demands. U.S. data centers alone have increased electricity consumption by 50% since 2020, accounting for 4% of the nation’s energy use. Analysts warn that this figure could more than double by 2030, straining already scarce energy supplies. In response, tech giants like Altman, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos are betting big on nuclear power to ensure sustainable operations for their sprawling infrastructures.
Microsoft recently announced plans to reopen a nuclear reactor at Three Mile Island, with ambitions to have it operational by 2028, fueling its AI ventures. Meanwhile, Amazon and Meta are actively securing deals for future nuclear energy sources to power their facilities. The push for nuclear is grounded in its unparalleled reliability compared to renewables like wind and solar, which depend on weather conditions. Nuclear power’s steady output aligns seamlessly with the 24/7 operational needs of data centers.
Altman’s Oklo is a key player in this narrative. Founded in 2013, the company is developing compact “fast reactors” that promise greater efficiency, reduced fuel requirements, and the ability to recycle nuclear waste. Oklo’s stock has soared since it began public trading, reflecting investor confidence in its innovative approach. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. While Oklo has secured agreements to power data centers and gained approval for site investigations in Idaho, critics note that these reactors remain largely theoretical, with significant hurdles in cost, regulation, and fuel sourcing.
Other tech leaders are also deepening their nuclear commitments. Gates’ TerraPower is constructing a demonstration plant in Wyoming, near a retiring coal facility, as part of its mission to deliver zero-carbon energy by 2030. TerraPower’s “Natrium” reactor design uses sodium as a coolant, promising enhanced safety and efficiency. Gates has invested over $1 billion in the venture, framing it as essential for combating climate change. Amazon has similarly anchored funding rounds for nuclear startups like X-energy, while Google participated in a $250 million investment in TAE Technologies, signaling a broad industry consensus on nuclear’s pivotal role.
Yet, this surge in private investment raises questions about equity and oversight. Industry experts like Sharon Squassoni, a professor at George Washington University, warn that tech companies’ focus on self-sufficiency may overshadow public benefit. Critics also highlight Silicon Valley’s history of resisting regulation, raising concerns about safety standards. Edwin Lyman of the Union of Concerned Scientists cautions against the potential erosion of safety rules amid corporate lobbying for streamlined approvals.
Despite these concerns, nuclear advocates argue that the sector’s resurgence is vital for a sustainable future. Fusion technology, championed by startups like General Fusion, offers additional promise with its inherently safer processes and minimal waste. Megan Wilson of General Fusion emphasizes that fusion reactors could eventually resemble medical facilities in their radiation profiles, underscoring the technology’s safety and scalability.
The growing alignment between tech and nuclear underscores a transformative moment in the energy sector. As lawmakers like President Joe Biden champion nuclear expansion through initiatives like the Advance Act, the collaboration between public policy and private innovation could redefine the global energy landscape. However, the ultimate success of these ventures will hinge on balancing technological ambition with societal responsibility, ensuring that this new era of nuclear power serves both Silicon Valley and the broader public.
