The world is entering a post-growth era, but our demand for energy is growing exponentially. The rise of Artificial Intelligence has data centers overwhelming power grids, threatening global electricity supplies, and creating future capacity planning challenges.

The race for clean, sustainable energy has taken an intriguing turn – a potential nuclear power renaissance.

This resurgence has two fronts.

First, old, shuttered plants are reopening. Previously closed facilities are reopening, extending their ability to provide clean power. Secondly, brand-new nuclear plants are under construction.

The future will need even more innovation.

Concepts like small “backyard nuclear reactors” are being explored. The dream of fusion power, the very reaction that powers the Sun and makes life possible, is inching closer to reality.

However, hurdles remain.

Developing safe and efficient backyard reactors is a complex task. Creating machines that can withstand the incredible stresses of recreating the conditions in the heart of a star is no small feat. Additionally, concerns exist regarding the potential for swift weaponization of fusion technology.

Despite the hurdles, nuclear energy is (once again) offering a path toward solving our needs for exponential power consumption and sustainable generation.