Recent reports reveal that Microsoft has signed a major deal to procure energy from a nuclear power plant that was previously shut down following the 1979 nuclear accident—the most significant in U.S. history. This move raises critical questions about the role of nuclear energy in the tech industry and the future of global electricity consumption.
As the energy demands of tech companies grow exponentially, the need for stable power sources has become more pressing than ever. The data centers of giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon consume vast amounts of electricity to run servers, store data, and execute complex computations. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global data center power consumption is expected to double by 2030. In fact, a single AI data center can consume more electricity than an entire city.
Microsoft is not alone in this trend. Google, for instance, has signed agreements with Kairos Power to secure nuclear energy starting in 2030, while Amazon is collaborating with Energy Northwest to develop nuclear energy facilities to power its AI-driven infrastructure. These investments suggest that nuclear power is emerging as the preferred solution for ensuring a reliable, clean, and stable electricity supply.
The growing interest in nuclear energy is not limited to tech giants. The number of startups in the field has surged, with billions of dollars pouring into funds promoting nuclear innovation. The U.S., China, and France are leading this investment wave, as their governments allocate significant resources to nuclear development as part of the global fight against climate change.
In the U.S., freshly-minted President Donald Trump has voiced strong support for nuclear energy, with his administration championing a "revival" of the industry. Beyond addressing the energy crisis, the U.S. has a strategic interest in dominating the global nuclear market—particularly as China positions itself as a formidable competitor in the field.
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Roy Reuveni, Founder and CEO of Woodstock Power, a U.S.-based energy solutions provider for data centers, explains: "The demand for 24/7 stable electricity has reached unprecedented levels. Companies like Oracle and Microsoft have been granted approvals to develop small nuclear reactors (50–100 megawatts) to ensure a reliable and clean power supply."
Dr. Amit SerusiItamar Sarussi, former head of Energix’s U.S. operations, adds: "Since the AI revolution, we have witnessed a fundamental shift in the way tech companies procure electricity. While sustainability goals were once the primary driver, today, the focus is on securing immediate and uninterrupted power. Lengthy wait times for grid connections and the challenges of relying solely on renewable energy are pushing the industry toward new solutions, including small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs)."
What about Israel?
As of today, Israel does not operate civilian nuclear power plants. However, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has begun assessing the feasibility of establishing one, recognizing that the country’s electricity demand will continue to surge.
In an era of rapid technological advancement and unprecedented energy demands, nuclear power may become a cornerstone of the global energy mix. If tech giants can ensure maximum safety and set a new precedent in the field, investing in nuclear energy may prove not just a strategic move—but an essential one.
- Dr. Amit Serusi is a strategic advisor and angel investor