THE rapid rise in electricity demand from artificial intelligence (AI) data centres is emerging as a major factor behind the global revival of nuclear energy, according to a thematic report by Deven Choksey Research.
The report noted that AI-led power consumption, coupled with energy security concerns and decarbonization goals, is pushing countries to reconsider nuclear energy as a reliable long-term power source.
“AI data centers are projected to exponentially rise the energy demand to 1600 terra-watt hours by 2034,” the report said. It added that global electricity demand is already rising at an annual rate of 3.3-3.7 per cent, driven by “AI compute, EV adoption and industrial electrification.
“The report further pointed out that the growing power needs of AI infrastructure are exposing the limitations of intermittent renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
“AI data centres requires power that is firm, dispatchable, always on and carbon free, wind and solar, by their intermittent nature cannot fulfil these requirements without expensive storage,” the report said. — ANI