Big Tech Fuels Nuclear Fission Revival with Small Modular Reactors

Artificial intelligence's explosive growth has dramatically increased electricity demand in the U.S., ending years of stagnant consumption. This surge has pushed major technology companies to seek dependable, high-capacity power sources for their data centers, turning renewed attention to nuclear fission.

Unlike fusion, which remains experimental, nuclear fission is a proven technology providing steady, 24/7 power. This reliability is crucial for data centers that require uninterrupted energy to handle intensive computing loads anytime.

The resurgence of nuclear power is driven by innovative small modular reactors (SMRs). These reactors are smaller, scalable, and designed for mass manufacturing, which can reduce costs and improve deployment flexibility compared to traditional gigawatt-scale plants.

Tech giants like Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft have actively invested in or signed power purchase agreements with nuclear startups pioneering SMR technology. This strategic move aligns with their goals of securing stable, clean energy for their expanding data center operations.

Leading Nuclear Fission Startups Backed by Big Tech

• Kairos Power: Supported by Google, Kairos develops molten fluoride salt-cooled SMRs that operate safely at low pressure. Their reactors use fuel pebbles designed to prevent meltdowns. The company received over $600 million in U.S. government funding and recently got approval to build test reactors in Tennessee.

• Oklo: With backing from OpenAI's Sam Altman and other investors, Oklo develops liquid metal-cooled reactors aimed at reducing nuclear waste. Despite regulatory setbacks, Oklo secured a 12-gigawatt supply deal with data center operator Switch, targeting deployment by 2044.

• Saltfoss: Formerly Seaborg, Saltfoss plans to deploy molten salt-cooled SMRs on ships called Power Barges. Supported by investors like Bill Gates and Peter Thiel, the startup partners with Samsung Heavy Industries to build these floating power plants.

• TerraPower: Founded by Bill Gates, TerraPower’s Natrium reactor uses liquid sodium cooling and molten salt energy storage to provide flexible power output. The first plant broke ground in Wyoming in 2024, with a 345-megawatt capacity and innovative heat storage to balance supply and demand.

• X-Energy: Backed by Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, X-Energy develops high-temperature gas-cooled SMRs. Their Xe-100 reactor uses helium gas to transfer heat from fuel pebbles to turbines, with plans to deploy 300 megawatts of capacity across the U.S.

The renewed focus on nuclear fission by Big Tech highlights a strategic shift toward sustainable, reliable energy sources that can keep pace with the relentless demands of AI and cloud computing. Small modular reactors, with their promise of safety, scalability, and cost efficiency, could redefine how data centers power the digital world.

As these technologies mature, they offer a compelling alternative to fossil fuels and intermittent renewables, ensuring that the backbone of the digital economy remains robust and environmentally responsible.