Using Small Modular Reactors for Powering Artificial Intelligence by Microsoft

Tuesday - October 10 2023, 20:21 UTC - 1 year ago

Microsoft is putting together a road map to power their Artificial Intelligence computations with small nuclear reactors. Small modular reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear reactors that have a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit and have superior safety features compared to larger plants, plus lower fuel costs and far lower emissions. Microsoft’s vision is an example of a highly advanced energy future, where clean, reliable and widely available power makes it easier for companies to develop the latest technologies and help accelerate the fight against climate change.

Artificial intelligence takes a lot of compute power, and Microsoft is putting together a road map for powering that computation with small nuclear reactors. Data Centers already use 20% of the electricity in the United States. 10% for regular data centers and 10% for bitcoin.

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear reactors that have a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit, which is about one-third of the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power reactors. These reactors are typically smaller than traditional nuclear power plants, which makes them easier and cheaper to build. They are also designed to be modular, so they can be scaled up or down depending on energy needs, and built offsite, allowing for quick and easy deployment.

More than 80 commercial SMR designs being developed around the world target varied outputs and different applications, such as electricity, hybrid energy systems, heating, water desalinisation and steam for industrial applications. Only a few in China, Russia and Japan are in operation. There are few under construction in the USA, Asia, Russia and South America.

Microsoft is looking into this clean energy option to provide the significant amount of power needed to operate their data centers and AI. With innovations in advanced nuclear reactor technology, small modular reactors offer superior safety features compared to larger plants, plus lower fuel costs and far lower emissions.

While SMRs create significantly less waste than traditional reactors, the industry still need to address how to store the long-term waste safely for future generations. Regulators and companies have an opportunity to work together to ensure that the development of SMRs is done safely and responsibly.

Microsoft’s vision for powering AI-driven cloud computing with SMRs is an example of a highly advanced energy future, where clean, reliable and widely available power makes it easier for companies to develop the latest technologies and help accelerate the fight against climate change.