2 chapters across the catalog
The massive energy demands of AI data centers are driving a renaissance in nuclear and gas-fired power generation. Companies like Westinghouse are seeing a surge in demand for small modular reactors (SMRs) as market forces, rather than government subsidies, build out new energy infrastructure. The hosts argue that even if the AI bubble bursts, the resulting increase in power capacity will benefit American productivity.
Meta Platforms entered a 20-year agreement with Constellation Energy to secure nuclear power for its AI data centers, following a similar move by Microsoft to restart the Three Mile Island plant. The insatiable electricity and water requirements of large-scale AI facilities are reinvigorating the nuclear power industry, which had previously been in decline. Critics noted the irony of using massive amounts of carbon-free energy to fuel the creation of internet memes and social media content.
