In a recent visit to New Mexico, U.S. Energy Secretary emphasized the importance of positioning the United States at the forefront of developments in artificial intelligence (AI). Achieving this, he noted, requires dependable and affordable electricity to support the tech industry’s growing energy needs. His remarks came during a tour of Sandia National Laboratories, with the previous day’s stop at Los Alamos National Laboratory, known for its critical role in the Manhattan Project during World War II.
Drawing parallels to the Manhattan Project, the Energy Secretary described the current push in AI as this era’s pivotal scientific endeavor. To succeed in this race, he underscored the necessity of stable, cost-effective electrical infrastructure. He expressed confidence in nuclear power as part of the energy solution given its potential to meet these demands.
The U.S. leads globally in nuclear electricity production, with nuclear plants contributing around 20% of the country’s annual electricity since 1990, enough to power over 70 million homes. However, nuclear energy represents a smaller share of global energy generation compared to other sources. Despite its efficiency and minimal environmental footprint, nuclear power’s role seems to be diminishing, a trend the Energy Secretary questioned.
With the advent of more data centers and energy-hungry AI technologies, several states are turning to nuclear energy to bridge the energy gap. In Arizona, for instance, efforts are underway to explore additional nuclear plants. Similarly, California has extended the operation of its last nuclear plant, Diablo Canyon, with significant federal support, recognizing its essential role in the state’s energy grid. Meanwhile, Wyoming witnessed the groundbreaking of an advanced reactor by TerraPower, a company founded by Bill Gates.
Operating nuclear power plants rely on uranium, a topic of environmental concern due to legacy contamination from past mining activities in the western U.S. and Native American territories. Criticism also surrounds the mining resurgence near areas like the Grand Canyon. As commercial nuclear reactors produce substantial spent fuel annually, storage challenges loom large. Currently, this waste remains at production sites as no long-term disposal solution has been established. Private companies propose temporary storage sites in New Mexico and West Texas, though these plans face legal scrutiny, with states like Texas opposing becoming nuclear waste repositories.
The Energy Secretary acknowledged the complexity of spent fuel management and hinted at innovative long-term storage strategies that could be developed across multiple U.S. sites. Efforts to expand nuclear power have seen varying support, with past and present administrations recognizing its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while fulfilling energy needs. The current administration aims to triple domestic nuclear power by 2050.
Standing amidst national nuclear heritage in New Mexico, the Energy Secretary reflected on America’s atomic history that began there. He criticized excessive regulations as a hindrance to nuclear innovation and called for reducing such barriers to foster next-generation developments like small modular reactors. By collaborating with private enterprises and employing strategic support, he believes nuclear energy can substantially contribute to the nation’s energy future.
