To fuel the insatiable energy appetite of artificial intelligence, tech companies are going big on small nuclear reactors.
Last week, both Google and Amazon announced agreements with companies that are developing small modular reactors. These reactors would produce less power than current reactors, and many designs include different types of fuel or coolants, plus additional safety features.
The announcements have amplified the buzz around small modular reactors, which have attracted increasing attention in recent years, given the need for clean energy that won’t contribute to climate change. A variety of companies have sprung up to meet the need, producing a cornucopia of proposed designs for small modular reactors.