Disciplines
Nuclear Engineering
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Skeptics question whether Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be powered sustainably. Nuclear may just be the best option. AI is transforming various spaces, from cybersecurity to accessibility, by enhancing the detection and prevention of fraud and phishing attacks to improving real-time services like subtitle generation, and supporting language translation. AI's impact also extends to applications like handwriting and speech recognition, streamlining processes and increasing accessibility for individuals with disabilities. As AI becomes more integrated into everyday life, the increasing demand for its computational power raises concerns about energy consumption. By researching datacenter power demands empirically and comparing nuclear options as opposed to traditional power solutions, we can determine appropriate solutions poised towards the future. For example, approximating current energy cost (wherever it may come from) versus nuclear energy as a primary energy source. In recent events, many companies have inquired to purchase and refurbish nuclear facilities to enable their AI to the fullest with Constellation partnering with Microsoft in purchasing Three Mile Island Unit 1 for AI. Addressing these challenges requires sustainable and cost-effective solutions. The Stargate Project aims to invest 500-billion-dollars into AI, and TSMC is investing a total of 165-billion-dollars in domestic chip manufacturing further accelerating AI at the forefront. Through our findings, it is believed that nuclear power is the solution for powering the future of this industry. By choosing nuclear, it will provide a higher energy density than traditional renewable sources such as solar and wind energy. Nuclear power also can generate more power in a smaller footprint especially with Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This approach offers an opportunity to balance technological progress with environmental sustainability by reducing dependence on inefficient and intermittent energy sources. The end goal is to bolster nuclear energy and enhance industries with better power solutions and ultimately improve everyday people’s lives.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
SPCEET - Mechanical Engineering
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Eduardo Farfan
Included in
Nuclear Energy: The Key to Sustainable Power for AI and Emerging Technologies
Skeptics question whether Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be powered sustainably. Nuclear may just be the best option. AI is transforming various spaces, from cybersecurity to accessibility, by enhancing the detection and prevention of fraud and phishing attacks to improving real-time services like subtitle generation, and supporting language translation. AI's impact also extends to applications like handwriting and speech recognition, streamlining processes and increasing accessibility for individuals with disabilities. As AI becomes more integrated into everyday life, the increasing demand for its computational power raises concerns about energy consumption. By researching datacenter power demands empirically and comparing nuclear options as opposed to traditional power solutions, we can determine appropriate solutions poised towards the future. For example, approximating current energy cost (wherever it may come from) versus nuclear energy as a primary energy source. In recent events, many companies have inquired to purchase and refurbish nuclear facilities to enable their AI to the fullest with Constellation partnering with Microsoft in purchasing Three Mile Island Unit 1 for AI. Addressing these challenges requires sustainable and cost-effective solutions. The Stargate Project aims to invest 500-billion-dollars into AI, and TSMC is investing a total of 165-billion-dollars in domestic chip manufacturing further accelerating AI at the forefront. Through our findings, it is believed that nuclear power is the solution for powering the future of this industry. By choosing nuclear, it will provide a higher energy density than traditional renewable sources such as solar and wind energy. Nuclear power also can generate more power in a smaller footprint especially with Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This approach offers an opportunity to balance technological progress with environmental sustainability by reducing dependence on inefficient and intermittent energy sources. The end goal is to bolster nuclear energy and enhance industries with better power solutions and ultimately improve everyday people’s lives.