Microsoft is considering building small nuclear reactors to train artificial intelligence

Matthew Manuel/Unsplash

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