Global electricity consumption from data centers, cryptocurrencies, and artificial intelligence (AI) is poised for a dramatic leap, projected to nearly double between 2022 and 2026.
This surge highlights the ever-growing need for reliable and sustainable energy solutions to power our increasingly digital world.
Created in partnership with Range ETFs, this infographic highlights five reasons why nuclear power may be best suited to meet this growing demand, using data from various sources such as the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Nuclear Power is…
Data centers and AI systems require substantial and uninterrupted electricity to power their computing and cooling infrastructure. Here’s how nuclear power can be a solution:
1. Low Carbon
Unlike fossil fuels, nuclear power generates electricity without emitting greenhouse gases. And because nuclear plants have long operational lives, their lifecycle emissions are comparable to renewable sources such as wind and solar, according to the UN Economic Commission for Europe, making it a crucial player in the fight against climate change.
2. Flexible
Advancements in nuclear technology have led to the development of smaller, more versatile reactors called small modular reactors (SMRs). These compact reactors can be located virtually anywhere, including right next to data centers. This flexibility reduces transmission loss and ensures a more efficient delivery of power where it is most needed.
3. Dependable
Data centers require uninterrupted power that intermittent energy sources, such as wind and solar, cannot consistently meet.
Nuclear power, on the other hand, is a dispatchable energy source, which means it can be quickly turned on and off to meet electricity demand in real time. This makes it incredibly dependable and fit for powering energy-hungry data centers.
4. Safe
Despite common misconceptions, nuclear power is one of the safest forms of electricity.
| Energy Source | Deaths per TWh of electricity production |
|---|---|
| Coal | 24.62 |
| Oil | 18.43 |
| Natural Gas | 2.82 |
| Hydropower | 1.3 |
| Wind | 0.04 |
| Nuclear | 0.03 |
| Solar | 0.02 |
The death rate per terawatt hour (TWh) of electricity produced from nuclear power is significantly lower than it is for coal, oil, and natural gas. Moreover, modern reactor designs, such as SMRs, now integrate advanced safety features that surpass even those of traditional nuclear reactors, further minimizing risks.
5. Optimal
Nuclear power has the highest capacity factor out of all other common electricity sources. This means that the ratio of its actual electricity output to its maximum possible output is very high.
In other words, nuclear power operates at full capacity 93% of the time, whereas geothermal, the energy source with the second-highest capacity factor, operates at full capacity 71% of the time. Natural gas comes in third place, with a capacity factor of 54%.
Nuclear’s high capacity factor means it can consistently meet large-scale electricity demands, making it an ideal solution for powering the growing number of data centers and AI operations.
The Resurgence of Nuclear Power
The rapid growth of AI and data centers is driving a resurgence of interest in nuclear power. Industry leaders and technology companies are investing in nuclear projects across the U.S. and beyond, recognizing its potential to provide a reliable, sustainable energy source.
As the demand for electricity continues to rise, nuclear power stands out as a leading solution to help ensure a stable and low-carbon energy future.
Consider investing in the bright future of nuclear power.
Credit: Visual Capitalist
