Summary:
Big Tech is investing in nuclear fission startups to meet the rising electricity demands of AI and data centers.
Small modular reactors (SMRs) offer a stable and predictable power source, with designs focused on safety and efficiency.
Kairos Power, backed by Google, uses molten fluoride salt for cooling and has secured a $629 million government award.
Oklo, supported by Sam Altman, aims to reduce nuclear waste and has a deal to supply 12 gigawatts to Switch by 2044.
Saltfoss is pioneering Power Barges—floating SMRs—with $60 million in funding from notable investors like Bill Gates.
TerraPower, founded by Bill Gates, is building a 345 megawatt reactor with molten salt energy storage in Wyoming.
X-Energy raised $700 million, led by Amazon, to develop high-temperature, gas-cooled reactors generating 80 megawatts.
The Rise of Nuclear Fission Startups Backed by Big Tech
Artificial intelligence's insatiable demand for electricity has led Big Tech companies to explore nuclear fission as a stable and predictable power source for their data centers. This shift marks a significant turn towards small modular reactors (SMRs), which promise to overcome the limitations of traditional nuclear power plants.
Why Nuclear Fission?
- Stable Power Supply: Nuclear fission offers a 24/7 power flow, essential for data centers running continuous computing loads.
- Innovative Designs: New SMR designs aim to reduce costs and improve safety, making nuclear power more accessible and reliable.
Key Players in the Nuclear Fission Space
Kairos Power
- Backed by Google, Kairos Power is developing SMRs cooled by molten fluoride salt, enhancing safety and efficiency.
- The company has received a $629 million award from the U.S. government and approval to build two test reactors in Tennessee.
Oklo
- Supported by Sam Altman, Oklo focuses on reducing nuclear waste with its liquid metal-cooled reactors.
- Despite initial licensing hurdles, Oklo has secured a deal to supply 12 gigawatts to data center operator Switch by 2044.
Saltfoss
- Formerly known as Seaborg, Saltfoss is innovating with Power Barges—floating SMRs cooled by molten salt.
- With $60 million in funding, including investments from Bill Gates and Peter Thiel, Saltfoss is partnering with Samsung Heavy Industries for reactor construction.
TerraPower
- Founded by Bill Gates, TerraPower's Natrium reactor features liquid sodium cooling and molten salt energy storage.
- The company has begun construction in Wyoming, aiming for a 345 megawatt output with added energy storage capabilities.
X-Energy
- With a $700 million Series C-1 led by Amazon, X-Energy is developing high-temperature, gas-cooled reactors.
- The Xe-100 reactor is expected to generate 80 megawatts, leveraging helium gas for heat transfer.
The Future of Nuclear Power in Tech
As Big Tech continues to invest in nuclear fission startups, the collaboration between technology and energy sectors is set to redefine how data centers are powered. The focus on SMRs and innovative cooling technologies highlights a commitment to sustainable and reliable energy solutions for the AI-driven future.
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