As the global push for low-carbon energy intensifies, demand for nuclear power is gaining momentum in the United States. At the heart of this resurgence is the rapidly expanding energy appetite of data centers, particularly those supporting artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing. The immense power needs of these facilities are prompting a shift toward nuclear energy as tech giants, such as Microsoft and Google, seek reliable, carbon-free solutions to power their operations.
Exhibit 1: ADI’s U.S. electricity demand forecast, Terawatt-hours
How data centers are reshaping U.S. power demand
The explosive growth of hyperscale data centers for AI is dramatically reshaping U.S. energy demand. Unlike traditional data centers, these new facilities can require over 100 megawatts (MW) of power—an amount capable of supporting tens of thousands of homes. With hundreds of new data centers under development across North America, the pressure on power grids is intensifying. ADI’s projections suggest that data centers could drive growth in U.S. of electricity demand of 1.4% to 2.7% annually through 2030. This surge in demand has catalyzed interest in finding stable, high-capacity energy sources capable of delivering round-the-clock power.
Big tech’s drive for low-carbon energy solutions
Leading technology companies are actively pursuing reliable, 24/7 low-carbon energy sources to meet their escalating power requirements and uphold their sustainability commitments. Nuclear energy is increasingly seen as the ideal solution—it offers continuous, emissions-free baseload power, which is essential for data centers that operate non-stop.
Recognizing this, big tech companies are pushing for more nuclear capacity, actively supporting both the restart of mothballed plants and the development of new technologies such as advanced geothermal and small modular reactors (SMRs). Their investments reflect not just the need for power, but also a commitment to decarbonizing their operations.
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