Tech Giants Pour Billions Into Nuclear Power to Feed AI Data Centers

Executive Briefing

• Drives demand: U.S. data centers consumed 183 TWh last year, with AI pushing grid usage up 15-20% annually.
• Secures deals: Microsoft, Google, Meta, and Amazon have signed major nuclear power agreements totaling billions of dollars.
• Backs SMRs: DOE awarded $400 million each to Tennessee Valley Authority and Holtec for small modular reactor deployment.
• Faces delays: New nuclear plants require 10-plus years to deploy; natural gas remains the only viable short-term solution.
• Funds startups: VC firms including a16z and Founders Fund are investing millions into nuclear fission and fusion companies.