The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is poised to fundamentally reshape energy consumption patterns in the United States. While U.S. energy consumption has remained relatively stable over the past decade due to efficiency gains, demand for electricity to power AI data centers is projected to more than double over the next five years. Some estimates suggest that by 2030, these facilities could require as much energy as the entire country of Japan consumes today. This unprecedented surge in demand presents a significant challenge, with experts cautioning that permitting hurdles, construction timelines for new power plants, and grid capabilities could potentially impede AI’s rapid development.
Public Sentiment Mixed as Tech Giants Power On
Amidst this escalating demand from tech firms, consumer sentiment towards AI remains mixed. A Fox News Poll on voters’ feelings about AI in society revealed that 43% viewed it as a good thing, while 47% considered it a bad thing. While positive views have increased since 2023, demographic splits are evident: most rural voters, White voters, women, and those over 45 viewed AI negatively, whereas urban voters, non-White voters, men, and those younger than 45 held positive views. Despite this somewhat divided public opinion, tech companies are pressing forward, recognizing that AI’s reliance on extensive compute, chips, and data necessitates a massive increase in electricity supply.
Microsoft Leads the Charge: Nuclear Plants Revived
Major tech companies are actively pursuing new partnerships to secure the vast amounts of electricity required for AI. Microsoft is at the forefront of this movement, directly engaging with energy producers. At least two nuclear plants are scheduled to restart thanks to these significant tech partnerships. Microsoft, for instance, has entered into a long-term advanced purchase agreement with Constellation, a move that is expected to bring Three Mile Island Unit 1, previously closed for economic reasons in 2019, back online as early as 2027. This facility, now known as Crane Energy Center, will add over 800 megawatts of energy to the grid, enough to power more than 800,000 homes.
A New Era for Nuclear: Guaranteed Demand Drives Revival
The resurgence of nuclear power, particularly the restart of plants like Three Mile Island Unit 1, is largely driven by the guaranteed demand from major tech companies. Nuclear power boasts the highest energy efficiency rate, making it an attractive option for energy-intensive AI operations. Constellation President and CEO Joseph Dominguez noted that it “only makes sense for a power company to invest, to bring something like Three Mile Island back online if it has a guarantee that somebody’s gonna purchase it.” This new dynamic, where tech giants commit to long-term energy purchases, provides the economic certainty needed for power companies to invest in restarting or developing high-capacity, reliable energy sources.
Diverse Energy Needs and Responsible Growth
While nuclear power is poised to be a significant part of the nation’s electricity future, energy producers emphasize the importance of a diversified energy mix, acknowledging that 24/7 baseload power is not needed for the entire U.S. grid due to seasonal and daily fluctuations. Microsoft President Brad Smith articulated the company’s philosophy: “Our philosophy as a company is that we will invest to bring onto the electric grid as much or more power than we will consume.” He also stressed that these investments would be made in a way that ensures “none of the neighbors are going to see rise in their electricity rates,” indicating a commitment to responsible energy consumption and grid stability.
Other Tech Titans Join the Nuclear Push
The trend of Big Tech partnering with nuclear energy producers extends beyond Microsoft. Constellation is also collaborating with Meta to relicense its Clinton Clean Energy Center in central Illinois for another 20 years, with Meta planning to add up to four gigawatts of nuclear generation across the U.S. starting in the early 2030s. Amazon is developing two data center complexes in Pennsylvania, which will draw nearly two gigawatts of electricity from Talen Energy’s nuclear plant. Google is similarly partnering with Elementl Power on three nuclear projects, each projected to produce 600 megawatts, collectively demonstrating a widespread industry commitment to nuclear energy for AI.
Government Backing for Nuclear in the AI Race
The push for nuclear energy is receiving strong backing from the highest levels of government. President Donald Trump signed several executive orders in May aimed at quadrupling domestic nuclear power production within the next 25 years. David Sacks, the White House AI and Crypto Czar, underscored the necessity of this expansion, stating, “To win the AI race, we’re going to need a lot of energy. The new AI data centers are very power hungry. They consume a lot of electricity. And the U.S. electric grid really hasn’t grown very much over the past decade.” This governmental support aligns with Big Tech’s strategic investments, positioning nuclear power as a critical component in the nation’s AI agenda.
