Nuclear Power Renaissance
=========================

Our AI-infused, data-hungry, power-intensive future requires a return to the past and a push into an illusive future.

![](https://assets.brentturner.is/_fitWide1600/9632/nuclear-return.webp)

The world is [entering a post-growth era](https://brentturner.is/posting/entering-the-post-growth-era/?ref=thenewnew.is), but our demand for energy is growing exponentially. The rise of Artificial Intelligence has data centers overwhelming power grids, [threatening global electricity supplies](https://www.ft.com/content/b7570359-f809-49ce-8cd5-9166d36a057b?ref=thenewnew.is), and creating future [capacity planning challenges](https://www.ft.com/content/d4f5b114-d49c-4b6c-9c67-5e5da32e2508?ref=thenewnew.is).

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](https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/04/03/1090603/how-to-reopen-a-nuclear-power-plant/?ref=thenewnew.is). Previously closed facilities are reopening, extending their ability to provide clean power. Secondly, [brand-new nuclear plants are under construction](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-05-08/holtec-aims-to-lead-a-us-nuclear-power-renaissance?ref=thenewnew.is).

The future will need even more innovation.

Concepts like small “[backyard nuclear reactors](https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/wsj-the-future-of-everything/a-nuclear-power-plant-in-your-backyard-future-reactors-are-going-small/cbc08ba2-d268-481d-912c-6fa8196f3292?ref=thenewnew.is)” are being explored. The dream of fusion power, the very reaction that powers the Sun and makes life possible, is [inching closer to reality](https://newatlas.com/energy/fusion-record-tokamak/?ref=thenewnew.is).

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](https://newatlas.com/energy/modular-nuclear-reactors/?ref=thenewnew.is). Additionally, concerns exist regarding the potential for [swift weaponization of fusion technology](https://www.newscientist.com/article/2430012-fusion-reactors-could-create-ingredients-for-a-nuclear-weapon-in-weeks/?ref=thenewnew.is).

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

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This post was included in _The New New_.

Expore Issue 33 on **thenewnew.is**

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