The demand for sustainable and efficient power in data centers has sparked renewed interest in nuclear technology, notably small modular reactors (SMRs). Nvidia has opted to invest in this area. Recently, Nvidia’s venture arm, NVentures, alongside Bill Gates and HD Hyundai, contributed to a $650 million funding initiative supporting TerraPower, a firm working to mainstream micro-reactors. TerraPower, founded by former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates in 2006, aims to develop cost-effective and simpler reactor designs compared to current high-pressure water reactors. Their Wyoming project, part of the Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Project, will feature a 345-megawatt reactor with molten salt energy storage capable of one gigawatt.
Despite construction beginning on non-nuclear sections, TerraPower’s Natrium technology won’t be operational soon. With regulatory approval still pending, TerraPower anticipates operational status by 2030. While SMRs are still unproven, tech giants show clear interest, with AWS, Google, Microsoft, and Oracle announcing respective nuclear energy ventures. Among the innovations, a partnership was formed with Sabey Data Centers to provide nuclear energy. Nuclear advocates emphasize the cleaner profile of SMRs over traditional diesel or gas turbine supplements currently used by data centers.
Though deployment of mobile gas plants remains a temporary solution, controversies arise due to associated environmental implications. Recently, the NAACP filed a lawsuit concerning public health threats posed by gas generators used by xAI. Nevertheless, Nvidia is keen on alternative energy pathways to support its extensive AI operations.
Mohamed Siddeek, head of NVentures, highlighted the necessity of nuclear energy in sustaining AI capabilities due to its innovative, carbon-free advantages, suggesting the sector’s growth will further drive computational resources. As regulatory conditions evolve, TerraPower looks forward to paving new pathways in efficient nuclear energy. However, concerns about the economic viability of SMRs persist, as illustrated by NuScale’s project termination following cost escalations.
In conclusion, for Nvidia and its partners, the synergy of advanced energy solutions aligns with broader AI infrastructure goals, underscoring the critical role of sustainable energy in future technology landscapes. TerraPower is set to advance reactor deployment despite the challenges, supported by a clear vision that innovative energy paradigms are crucial for global technological needs.