Microsoft is considering building small nuclear reactors to train artificial intelligence

Microsoft is exploring the use of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) to power data centres dedicated to AI training.

Here's What We Know

A recent job advert says the company plans to develop its energy infrastructure using SMRs. The idea is that they are cheaper to build and more flexible than full-scale nuclear power plants.

In the US, the idea of mini-reactors is gaining popularity - regulators approved NuScale Power's project in 2021.

However, Microsoft has a number of challenges to overcome:

• Develop a working design for the SMR;
• Find highly enriched fuel;
• Solve the issue of long-term storage of nuclear waste.

In addition, Microsoft is investing in nuclear fusion. Despite decades of unsuccessful research, the company hopes to be powered by startup Helion by 2028.

Source: The Verge