Microsoft's data centers of the future could be nuclear powered
The humble data center is not so humble. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, data centers and data transmission networks consume between 2-3% of global power consumption, and as global internet traffic grows, and demand for things like AI explodes, 3% is a number that will surely increase in the years ahead.
Microsoft knows a thing or two about big data, and I shudder to think what its monthly power bill looks like. Heck, I'd be shocked at its hourly power bills. How do you minimize the cost of power, and do it sustainably? The answer might be nuclear. Specifically, small modular reactors (SMR).
Microsoft is certainly giving it some serious thought as it's looking to hire a "Principal Program Manager Nuclear Technology" (via The Register). The job description calls for someone «who will be responsible for maturing and implementing a global Small Modular Reactor (SMR) and microreactor energy strategy.»
According to the IAEA, SMRs are small nuclear reactors that can be prefabricated, have a small footprint, and can be scaled to match increased energy demand. In some cases, it may be easier and more cost effective to power a site with SMRs, instead of building costly grid infrastructure.
But even the mention of the word nuclear sends shudders down spines. It's a political hand grenade, and the public's awareness of things like Chernobyl, Fukushima and years of being exposed to dystopian wastelands in movies and TV shows makes it a difficult thing to gain support for. But if wind, solar or hydro-electric schemes are not viable in a given location, it's at least worth considering ahead of traditional fossil fueling.
Best gaming PC: The top pre-built machines.
Best gaming laptop: Great devices for mobile
