Microsoft's Vision For AI's Future Is Harnessing Nuclear Power

Microsoft Inc MSFT is charting a course to harness the power of small nuclear reactors for its artificial intelligence (AI) operations. 

The tech giant recently advertised a job position, seeking a nuclear technology specialist to spearhead the company's efforts in integrating small modular nuclear reactors and microreactors. 

These reactors will likely energize the data centers that underpin Microsoft's Cloud and AI platforms, CNBC reports.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman believes the widespread use of AI will require substantial energy and has long advocated for access to abundant, affordable, clean energy solutions on a large scale.

The job listing explicitly mentions the role of a "principal program manager for nuclear technology." 

The candidate will refine and execute a global strategy centered around Small Modular Reactor (SMR) and microreactor energy. 

The company's approach leans towards nuclear fission, a process where atoms split, releasing energy.

Earlier this year, Microsoft declared a substantial investment in OpenAI, the entity behind the widely recognized AI chatbot ChatGPT. 

Notably, Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, chairs the board of TerraPower, a firm dedicated to innovating small modular reactor designs. 

While TerraPower has not formalized any deals to supply reactors to Microsoft, the tech behemoth has shown interest in nuclear energy innovations. 

In a recent development, Microsoft entered into a power purchase agreement with Helion, a nuclear fusion startup, with plans to procure electricity by 2028. OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, is a prominent investor in Helion.

Nuclear reactors produce electricity without significant carbon dioxide emissions. 

The U.S. relies on nuclear reactors, primarily constructed between 1970 and 1990, for approximately 18% of its electricity. 

As per the U.S. Department of Energy, nuclear energy contributed to 47% of America's carbon-free electricity in 2022. 

The future of nuclear reactor technology in the U.S. seems to hinge on smaller reactors, which are compact, cost-effective, and faster to construct. 

Price Action: MSFT shares traded lower by 1.43% at $313.07 on the last check Tuesday.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.