Tech Giants Bet Big on Nuclear Power to Fuel AI Growth

In a groundbreaking move, amazon, google, and meta have pledged their support to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050. This initiative, part of the World Nuclear Association’s “Large Energy Users Pledge,” underscores the tech giants' commitment to meeting the escalating energy demands driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers. The pledge, signed at the CERAWeek 2025 conference in Houston, marks the first time major non-energy corporations have publicly backed such an extensive expansion of nuclear power.

The tech sector's growing energy needs are fueled by the rapid expansion of AI and data centers. According to goldman sachs Research, data center power demand is projected to surge by 160% by 2030, driven by the increasing computational requirements of AI applications. This surge in demand poses significant challenges for the energy sector, as data centers already account for 1-2% of global electricity consumption and are expected to rise to 3-4% by the end of the decade.



The commitment to nuclear energy by Amazon, Google, and Meta is not just about meeting energy demands; it is also a strategic move to achieve sustainability goals. Nuclear power, with its minimal carbon footprint, offers a reliable and clean energy source that can complement renewable energy sources like solar and wind. This is particularly important for tech companies aiming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.

Amazon has already invested over $1 billion in nuclear energy projects, including deals with Energy Northwest to build four Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Washington state. The company also has agreements with X-energy and Dominion Energy Inc. to develop additional nuclear capacity. Brandon Oyer, Amazon Web Services’ Head of Americas Energy and Water, emphasized the critical role of nuclear energy in strengthening national security, meeting future energy demands, and addressing climate change.

Google, through its Head of Clean Energy & Decarbonization Technologies, Lucia Tian, highlighted the pivotal role of nuclear power in building a reliable, secure, and sustainable energy future. Google has been working alongside partners to accelerate the commercialization of advanced nuclear technologies that can provide around-the-clock clean energy.

Meta, represented by its Global Head of Energy, Urvi Parekh, underscored the need for a reliable, clean, and resilient energy supply as global economies expand. Meta has called for nuclear developers to submit proposals to help the company add up to four gigawatts of new nuclear capacity in the U.S. by the early 2030s.

The pledge to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050 presents significant economic and environmental benefits. Nuclear energy provides a stable and reliable source of power, which is crucial for industries that depend on continuous energy supply. This reliability is essential for data centers and AI operations, which require uninterrupted power to function efficiently.

However, the rapid expansion of nuclear energy also presents challenges and risks. Nuclear power plants typically take over five years to construct, and the estimated cost to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050 is approximately $150 billion annually, totaling trillions of dollars over the next two and a half decades. Additionally, there are concerns about public acceptance due to the risks associated with radiation and the management of nuclear waste.

To mitigate these challenges, technological advancements and regulatory frameworks are crucial. Investment in small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced nuclear technologies can reduce construction timelines and costs. For example, Amazon and Google have already invested in SMRs, which are expected to come online after 2030. Technological innovations can also improve the efficiency and safety of nuclear power plants, making them more acceptable to the public.

Regulatory frameworks need to ensure equal access to finance for nuclear and other energy sources. This includes getting institutions like the World Bank to recognize and provide borrowing for nuclear projects. Harmonization of regulations between national regulators can streamline the approval process for new nuclear projects, reducing delays and costs.

In conclusion, the commitment by Amazon, Google, and Meta to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050 is a strategic move to meet the escalating energy demands driven by AI and data centers. While the challenges and risks are significant, technological advancements and regulatory frameworks can mitigate these issues, paving the way for a sustainable and reliable energy future.