Data centers

Data centers are the new power producers for AI and there are over 5,000 such centers in the US with more being built each day. Data centers require continuous power sources and that leaves out wind and solar. In most areas the power available from the grid is not sufficient so they must build their own private power plants. The easiest is a new gas-powered plant but that increases CO2. A good compromise is small nuclear reactors. Other nuclear news focuses on small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), factory-built, modular power plants that could be installed near data centers, potentially without the cost overruns and delays often experienced in building large plants. Google recently ordered a fleet of SMRs to generate the power needed by its data centers. The first one will be completed by 2030 and the remainder by 2035. Google hopes the deal will provide a low-carbon solution to power datacenters, which require huge volumes of electricity. The company said nuclear provided “a clean, round-the-clock power source that can help us reliably meet electricity demands”. Since SMR’s are much safer Trump has reduced the regulations to the point where permits can be granted in 18 months instead of seven years. He is also making the general public aware of the futility of trying to replace fossil fuels with wind and solar which he refers to as the New Green Scam.