A.I. Going Nuclear

In this episode, Darnley explores a bold shift as tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon invest in nuclear energy. Is this the clean power solution they claim, or could it pose unforeseen risks to our environment? Join us as we question the impact of this controversial technology and what it really means for the future of this type energy fuelling Artificial Intelligence. 

Transcript

EP 82 – AI Going Nuclear

A recent Google announcement that will change the A.I. game by financing the construction of US-based Small Nuclear Reactor plants to fuel its artificial intelligence goals. This comes on the heels of the big tech giants looking to use alternative energy sources. Is this a great idea or another path to environmental and financial failure?

Google’s Tapping Nuclear Energy for Their A.I. 

Understanding that many of these tech giants are complete energy hogs with their data centres and technology fueling the world. This means the increase of energy demand in already energy-demanding society will lead a call for these alternative sources that perhaps solar and wind energy cannot fill in the void. 

So why Nuclear energy? Does this mean that A.I. would have its hand wrapped around nuclear technology to destroy the world?... haha, no no before you go off in the conspiracy end let’s talk about how nuclear energy may change the world and how the world is now restarting nuclear power plants as a valid carbon-neutral and time-tested alternative to power our society for tomorrow. 

Let me be clear, I am a great and stern advocate for alternative energy sources, especially for the technology era where we consume millions of gigawatts of energy to power data centers that host most of our data in todays society. Given the fact that coal power plants are at a steep-decline as natural gas and renewable energy contributes to the majority of power distribution in North America and Europe. 

 So what about Nuclear? Back in 2011 with the Fukushiuma nuclear disaster had many re-think about the viability of Nuclear power, especially on that scale and back in the 80s with Chernobyl. There are about 54 nuclear plants in the USA and 86 in Europe, however plans to shut down older plants are already in the works. Why is Google putting its money to Nuclear power again but to newer modular designed Small Modular reactor systems?

I did have a personal conversation with a retired nuclear scientist. He was responsible for many of the CANDU nuclear generators in Ontario Canada. This was honestly one of the most humbling experiences by talking to someone who for over 50 years experience, helped build some of the nuclear reactors in Canada. From this great conversation I did ask him about the viability of SMR’s and to my surprise he was completely against it. He mentioned that the SMRs are good for small scale generation, but if you wanted more power, you do need bigger generating plants. This was humbling as I thought simply using SMRs would eliminate the need for big, ugly and extremely expensive nuclear plants. He also mentioned that wind and solar are not the end-all to our power generation, they are great side-arm to power generator, however, cannot be fully relied on in large-scale operation to meet the needs of our growing power hungry generation. Food for thought. 

Understand SMRs are already having issues to start in the world. A news artcle about Nuscale - was the only US company with a Small Modular Design that was approved by the nuclear regulatory commission, which was cancelled in November 2023. The problem with this project was that it increased over 53% since 2021 which made it uncompetitive in the market.  This does not make SMR nuclear reactors viable in the grand scheme of things, so are we stuck with large-scale nuclear plants solar and wind?

Nuclear Energy The Clean Alternative?

While I understand people’s apprehension due to a nuclear disaster, or even the nuclear waste disposal. There a few key fundamentals that need to be addressed before we wipe out viability. SMRs are modular, they can be transported anywhere and produce energy for a number of years without needing to be refuelled. This makes it viable for remote communities who rely on Coal or Oil to power their communities. 

By removing the storage issue that I am not going to go into detail for the sake of time. Understanding the tech companies literally have no other options to power these power-hungry A.I. data centers. The demand of these technology’s are increasing at an exponential rate, and the option to use fossil fuels is completely out of the question. SMRs will reduce their overall operating costs along with not burning any additional fuels into the atmosphere. 

Well wait Darnley, what about Fusion energy? Well from what I understand and read; we have been close to fusion power for 50 years. Don’t get me wrong we are getting closer, but is still in its development stage. We have the technology now that will solve today’s issue. I do see Fusion being a big game changer in our energy markets, especially over the fact that our current energy demands are not being met. 

But that is for another discussion, I understand that some hardcore environmentalists will be knocking on my door soon telling me how bad nuclear energy is for the world. I will state on here that in my past I have had some “education” on green technologues and I back it whole hardly – hell I even drove my car on hydrogen -  but you must understand the core facts at this point in time – right now - we do not have a complete green solution that will solve our energy and carbon reducing demanding requirements that simply solar and wind realistically cannot handle – right now. This is why Nuclear energy, albeit, needing some improvement on waste management side of things, is the carbon neutral answer to our growing energy demands. We already have the technology matured enough to bridge the gap between the time when we can finally adopt fusion technology. Until then, the major technology players in the global markets with adobe these modular SMR technology to continue to power the demands we as consumers put on these organizations all the while demanding lowering our carbon footprint. 

Well, to put it blindly, unless we adopt the zero-point energy the major counties are hiding from the population we could be globally carbon neutral tomorrow. Don’t take my word for it – ask the US Government