At a time when superpowers seem to be arguing about everything, there is agreement from both USA and China on the importance of nuclear energy and the synergies between nuclear energy and emerging AI.

Perhaps it’s time for Australia to take this more seriously.

In the USA, Gordon Dolven, Director of Data Center Research at CBRE, explained that:

“Dallas Tech giants are increasingly turning to nuclear power to meet the growing energy demands of the data center boom. For example, recent projects include Amazon’s funding of four small modular reactors in Washington state, Google’s agreement with Kairos Power to develop SMRs by 2030 and Microsoft’s power purchase agreement to restart Three Mile Island, nuclear power plant.”

He went on to add:

“the connection between data centers and nuclear power plants should continue to strengthen.” [1]

Whilst in China, Lu Tiezhong, Chairman of China National Nuclear Power (CNNP), last week stated:

“…The sector is already expanding its overseas market and aims to contribute a Chinese solution to the global energy transition. Nuclear energy’s advantages of high energy density, stable operation and low carbon emissions uniquely position it to address resource constraints and meet global decarbonization goals. As AI advances rapidly, nuclear energy and AI will become increasingly intertwined.”

He went on to explain that:

“nuclear power provides a stable, low-carbon energy base for AI, while AI enhances nuclear safety and efficiency. This synergy, will drive new momentum in the global energy transformation.” [2]

References

[1] https://www.constructiondive.com/news/data-center-boom-fuels-nuclear-construction-projects/733278/
[2] http://www.china.org.cn/business/2025-03/10/content_117757640.htm