ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasized the importance of the nation leading in artificial intelligence by having reliable and affordable electricity sources to meet the growing technology sector demands. Wright expressed these thoughts while visiting Sandia National Laboratories on Tuesday, following a visit to Los Alamos National Laboratory the day before, known for its role in developing the atomic bomb during World War II.
A fossil fuel executive and MIT graduate, Wright underscored the historical significance of the labs, stating they will be integral to what he described as a modern-day Manhattan Project, a groundbreaking scientific venture with unimaginable global impact. To ensure success in the AI realm, Wright stressed the necessity of dependable power sources and robust infrastructure for electricity distribution.
Wright mentioned nuclear power as a key component of the energy solution, raising questions about its current contribution to the energy mix. Despite the U.S. leading in nuclear electricity generation, accounting for nearly 20% of the nation’s annual electricity since 1990, he highlighted its diminishing role worldwide compared to other energy sources.
As data centers multiply and energy-intensive AI technologies advance, many states are turning to nuclear energy to bridge the power gap. Arizona hosts one of the country’s largest nuclear plants, with plans for potential expansions, while California secured federal funding to extend the life of its sole remaining nuclear plant, Diablo Canyon.
In Wyoming, TerraPower, a company founded by Bill Gates, initiated construction on what is anticipated to be one of the inaugural advanced reactors in the U.S. However, challenges persist regarding the uranium supply chain, with environmental concerns raised about legacy contamination and the disposal of spent nuclear fuel. Private initiatives propose temporary storage solutions in New Mexico and West Texas, with legal debates ongoing about federal licensing authority for such facilities.
Amidst these complexities, both state officials and environmental groups caution against becoming repositories for the nation’s nuclear waste. Wright recognized the intricacies of handling spent fuel, hinting at innovative approaches on the horizon.
The possibility of establishing long-term storage solutions at various locations across the United States could pave the way for further advancements in nuclear power. Is there a clear roadmap for expanding nuclear energy? President Donald Trump has initiated steps to boost American innovation in artificial intelligence through executive orders, declaring a national energy emergency, and forming a national council focused on achieving “energy dominance.” The administration has also thrown its support behind a major collaboration among OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank, which includes plans for constructing data centers and enhancing electricity generation to drive further AI development.
Similarly, the Biden administration has highlighted nuclear power as a crucial component for meeting energy demands while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A target was set last year to triple nuclear power capacity in the U.S. by 2050. Standing amid the exhibits of the national nuclear science museum in Albuquerque, Wright emphasized the significant role New Mexico played in the nation’s nuclear history, particularly in the development of the atomic bomb.
Various challenges have hindered progress in the nuclear sector in recent decades, including what Wright described as overly burdensome government regulations. Apart from ensuring safety, he argued that stringent standards have impeded the advancement of next-generation nuclear technologies. “Our objective is to eliminate these barriers, bring together private enterprises, and identify the necessary push to kickstart the deployment of next-generation small modular reactors,” he explained. “I believe they will play a critical role in addressing our energy needs.”
