Thursday, November 7

Microsoft advances its plan to feed its Artificial Intelligence with nuclear energy

Julián Castillo's avatar

By Julian Castillo

Dec 14, 2023, 17:39 PM EST

Microsoft is playing a pioneering role at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI), marking a milestone by merge cutting-edge technology with nuclear energy as a power source. The company is carrying out a revolutionary initiative that combines the efficiency of AI with the agility in the bureaucratic processes related to the construction of nuclear plants destined to power its next-generation AI models.

At the epicenter of this innovation is specialized artificial intelligence that dives headfirst into nuclear regulations and licensing requirements.. This strategic advance allows Microsoft to significantly accelerate the process of submitting applications necessary for the construction of nuclear plants, a procedure that traditionally consumes years and millions of dollars. The urgency for more power responds to the growing demand for energy needed to drive increasingly larger and more complex AI models.

The vision of Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, is reflected in this approach to nuclear energy, advocating for carbon-neutral energy sources. Michelle Patron, senior director of sustainability policy at Microsoft, stresses the importance of using all the tools available in the kit to achieve a zero-carbon transition. Nuclear energy, derived from the controlled release of energy stored in atoms, is presented as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Nuclear fusion or nuclear fission, generating steam by combining radioactive material with water, drives turbines to produce electricity with minimal carbon emissions.

Risks

Despite its undeniable benefits, nuclear energy is not without significant challenges.. Disasters such as Chernobyl and Fukushima have highlighted the risks associated with nuclear power plants, whether from natural events or human error. Furthermore, radioactive waste, as an inevitable by-product, poses a long-term problem, requiring solutions such as deep storage in bunkers and silos, an aspect that must be handled with extreme caution.

Microsoft’s commitment to nuclear energy is not limited only to the construction of large-scale plants. The company aligns with the global trend towards “mini” nuclear reactors to meet smaller scale energy needs, as is being explored in the UK. This strategic approach could play a crucial role in helping Microsoft achieve its ambitious goal of becoming a “net zero” carbon emitter by 2040., marking an important milestone in the convergence of green technology and advances in artificial intelligence. The conjunction of these elements demonstrates a comprehensive commitment to sustainability and innovation, positioning Microsoft at the forefront of the energy and technological revolution.

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