Nuclear Power and the Future of AI-Driven Data Centers: A Coming Resurgence

We won’t say, "We told you so," but let’s just say this wasn’t exactly a surprise. President Trump is about to—or may have already—signed an executive order that could reshape the future of nuclear energy in the U.S. This move will effectively strip the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) of its autonomy. Since its inception, the NRC has been an independent body that, despite its good intentions, has consistently slowed the growth of nuclear power in America. For decades, it’s regulated the sector to the point where it has become a barrier to the clean, cheap, and abundant energy source we need.

As we've argued in several of our previous blog posts, nuclear power is the most viable solution to our energy problems. In case you missed them, we’ve discussed how nuclear power is poised for a resurgence in the U.S. (check out our post on Virginia’s Energy Outlook, where we highlighted why nuclear and natural gas are key to the state’s energy future). As we’ve pointed out, this isn't just about clean energy; it’s about securing our future in both energy and national defense.

A New Dawn for Nuclear

The shift towards nuclear isn’t just about civilian energy. The Department of Defense (DoD) is taking a bold step toward embracing nuclear power for its artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. These data centers, which will soon become critical for national security, will be the first in the world to run on nuclear energy. This development shouldn’t be surprising considering that nuclear-powered submarines have been part of our military for decades. The DoD has been experimenting with small modular reactors (SMRs) since the 1950s, and now, it's making the case for why these same reactors are essential for powering the AI-driven data centers that are pivotal for military operations.

In past blog posts, we’ve discussed the role of AI in revolutionizing industries, including construction and energy, and how it's set to change the game. These AI-powered data centers are expected to be the backbone of many industries moving forward, and the military understands the strategic importance of not just the data, but also the power that fuels it. The small modular reactors (SMRs) currently in development by companies like NuScale Power are becoming an increasingly attractive solution for powering these data centers—providing the clean energy needed without the vulnerabilities associated with traditional power grids. For more on AI’s role in energy, check out our post on AI and the Future of Energy.

The Case for Nuclear in America’s Energy Future

We’ve been talking about nuclear power for a while now. And frankly, it’s been hard to ignore the fact that it's the one option that can truly meet our growing energy demands while addressing climate change (yes, the thing we’re apparently supposed to be fixing). If you’ve been paying attention, you know that nuclear is one of the few practical solutions out there—unless, of course, you think windmills and solar panels are going to power the world during a snowstorm. For those still skeptical about nuclear, it’s important to note that the technology has advanced significantly, particularly in the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), which are much safer and more efficient than older nuclear models.

Now, here’s a theory we’ve been sitting on: the creation of the NRC and its subsequent regulatory chokehold on nuclear power wasn’t an accident. In fact, it might have been pushed by the oil cartel. We’ll save that juicy bit for a future blog post, but let’s just say there’s a lot to be said about the close ties between the energy giants and regulatory bodies. Keep an eye out for that discussion, it’s one you won’t want to miss.

As we highlighted in our previous post on corporate energy, companies are increasingly investing in self-sufficiency when it comes to energy. No longer are we waiting for the government to solve our energy problems—corporations are taking charge. And with nuclear power, they are setting the stage for a future where energy security is no longer a distant dream but a reality. Construction firms with data center experience are going to be uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in the deployment of this new nuclear-powered infrastructure.

How This Affects Construction Firms

For construction companies that have U.S. citizen staff with data center building experience, the future is bright. The resurgence of nuclear power, especially in the context of military and AI-driven data centers, is going to require a very specific set of skills. These are the kinds of projects that will need experienced construction firms who understand the intricacies of building complex, highly regulated, and technologically advanced facilities.

If your company already has a solid foundation in data center construction, especially with experience in highly specialized work, you are going to be in high demand. These projects are going to come with a lot of red tape and high expectations, and they’re going to require contractors who can handle not just the physical construction but also the regulatory and technological challenges that come with it.

Nuclear power is about to make a major comeback, and it’s going to be the key to not just powering our homes but also securing our future in the world of AI and data. Construction firms with the right expertise are going to find themselves in the middle of this revolution.