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NN Asks: How can nuclear energy support the rising energy demand from data centers?
Nicolas Stauff
Data centers power our digital lives—along with many aspects of our economy and the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence. Electricity demand is rising rapidly, with the domestic data center load projected to increase from 4 percent to 9 percent of U.S. electricity consumption by 2030. This surge is already reshaping utility planning, grid interconnection queues, and the market for reliable power nationwide.
Nuclear energy is well matched to data center needs, because it provides reliable, 24/7 electricity with stable long-term costs. Modern hyperscale data center campuses can require hundreds of megawatts for IT equipment and cooling, and many applications demand maximum uptime. At the same time, leading hyperscalers have aggressive decarbonization commitments that limit reliance on fossil generation. Data centers also require fiber connectivity, a skilled workforce, and local acceptance—yet they can deliver meaningful tax base and employment impacts, especially when coupled with a major energy project.
James S. Tulenko
George Bidinger
University of Michigan (Best Student Section)Pennsylvania State University (Honorable Mention)University of Missouri-Rolla (Honorable Mention)
Rosa Marina Bilbao y Leon
Todd R. Allen
Small Local SectionsWashington DC (Best Membership, Best Meetings and Programs, Best Section Management, Best Overall)Oak Ridge / Knoxville (Best Public Info and Education)
Micheal A. Smith
Gerard L. Hofman
Building 9204-3 (Beta 3) Nuclear Power Demonstration Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant
Beverly A. Cook
Farrokh Najmabadi
Eric A. BlocherJoseph F. ColvinRolland A. LangleyWilliam S. Minkler
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Tom Reilly
Gianfranco Federici (ITER Team)
Walter B. Loewenstein
Turkey PointFlorida Power & Light CompanyByronExelon Generating Company, LLC
C. Lance Terry TXU Electric Comanche Steam Electric Station
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