Market Commentary

Tech Giants Eye Nuclear Energy to Power AI Growth

Namra Pervaiz
22 Oct 2024 · 1 minute read

Oklo (OKLO:US) saw a staggering 164% stock rise in one month as Amazon.com Inc (AMZN:US), Microsoft Corp (MSFT:US), and Alphabet Inc (GOOGL:US) turned to nuclear energy to power their growing AI-driven data centers. Small modular reactors (SMRs) are at the core of this energy shift, as they offer clean, round-the-clock power to meet increasing energy demands.

Amazon recently invested $500 million into X-energy for SMR development, while Google struck a deal with Kairos Power to commercialize SMRs by 2030. These moves signal a growing reliance on nuclear power to fuel AI infrastructure, which consumes far more electricity than traditional data centers. SMRs present a scalable and efficient solution for tech giants to maintain their carbon-free commitments.

Microsoft is also embracing nuclear energy by partnering with Constellation Energy to revive the Three Mile Island nuclear reactor. The company aims to power its AI systems sustainably.

Nuclear energy is critical for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and tech companies' investments align with the Biden administration's goals. With 94 active nuclear reactors in the U.S., the country remains the global leader in commercial nuclear power, setting the stage for a nuclear resurgence.

As AI growth accelerates, tech companies are betting big on nuclear energy to sustain operations, making companies like Oklo and NuScale Power emerging leaders in this vital shift toward clean power. Investors are taking note, driving stock prices higher and highlighting nuclear energy’s pivotal role in the future of technology.

Meanwhile, on the congressional trading front, U.S. lawmakers have shown mixed sentiments concerning the ongoing initiatives.