The Download: attempting to track AI, and the next generation of nuclear power

The Download newsletter discusses the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and nuclear power, highlighting significant investments in next-generation nuclear technology. As AI evolves, it requires substantial computational resources, necessitating a reliable and robust energy supply. The newsletter emphasizes that AI companies are increasingly betting on next-generation nuclear power to meet the electricity demands of their expansive data centers. This trend reflects a broader recognition of the energy needs associated with AI technologies, particularly as companies like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic release advanced large language models. The energy consumption of these AI models has prompted discussions about sustainable and efficient energy sources. The MIT Technology Review notes that the relationship between AI growth and energy supply is becoming more critical, as the AI community closely monitors the performance and impact of new technologies. The emphasis on nuclear power as a viable energy source underscores the urgency of addressing the energy requirements of the rapidly advancing AI landscape. Additionally, the newsletter highlights ongoing efforts to track AI developments and their implications for energy consumption. The AI community holds its breath each time a new frontier large language model is released, indicating the high stakes involved in the evolution of AI technologies. The combination of AI's rapid advancement and its significant energy demands is driving interest in nuclear power as a potential solution to support the infrastructure needed for future AI operations.