In a recent earnings call, Oracle’s chairman and co-founder, Larry Ellison, made a surprising announcement regarding the future of data centers. Ellison revealed that due to the increasing demand for electricity from artificial intelligence, Oracle is planning to power their data center with small modular nuclear reactors.
Ellison described the electricity demand from artificial intelligence as “crazy” and emphasized the need for more than a gigawatt of electricity to power Oracle’s upcoming data center. He stated that three small nuclear reactors would be used to generate the necessary power, highlighting the unprecedented scale of the project.
The use of small modular nuclear reactors poses both challenges and opportunities for the energy industry. While these reactors promise to accelerate the deployment of reliable, carbon-free energy, there are concerns about their commercialization and widespread adoption. Currently, small modular reactors are considered a technology of the future, with projections suggesting that they won’t be widely available in the U.S. until the 2030s.
The adoption of small modular nuclear reactors represents a significant shift in the way we power data centers and other energy-intensive facilities. By leveraging this innovative technology, companies like Oracle can address the growing demand for electricity while reducing their carbon footprint. As the world transitions to cleaner and more sustainable forms of energy production, small modular reactors could play a crucial role in shaping the future of the energy industry.
Larry Ellison’s announcement regarding Oracle’s plan to use small modular nuclear reactors to power their data center underscores the evolving landscape of energy production. While the idea may seem “bizarre” to some, it reflects the growing need for innovative solutions to meet the increasing demand for electricity. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more companies embracing alternative energy sources like small modular reactors to drive sustainability and efficiency in their operations.