Piotr Mechecki’s Post

Three Mile Island🔥was the site of America’s worst nuclear disaster. The nuclear plant is now set to reopen to exclusively sell power to Microsoft to aid the company’s massive AI future. 🤯 #Microsoft signed a deal to revive the closed down Three Mile Island nuclear power plant with exclusive rights to 100% of the output in order to power its data center infrastructure. Here's what you need to know about #AI and Microsoft's #Sustainability efforts with the massive project: https://lnkd.in/ezDFUN76

Why has there only been 0.4% growth over the last decade and now electricity usage is expected to double between now and 2050? The answer is there is exponential energy growth in the data center space. Combined with massive investments in US-based manufacturing largely driven by multiple programs implemented by the DOE and Jigar Shah We have a future grid and energy infrastructure to build, we need to build it for the next 100+ years not the last 100+ years. #carbonneutral #carbonnegative #derms #microgrid #vpp

As data centers proliferate and energy needs escalate, investing in long-duration energy storage technologies (LDES), such as Zaeras, will be necessary to stabilize the grid, optimize energy usage, and support the integration of renewable energy sources such as nuclear, solar, wind, and geothermal, all while meeting peak demand. The importance of investing in LDES technology becomes even more apparent, with the projected doubling of electricity sales by 2050. During times of reduced renewable energy production, Zaeras stands alone in its capacity to simultaneously charge and discharge, thereby cost effectively enhancing grid stability. This capability positions Zaeras as an essential component in driving the transition towards a cleaner, reliable energy landscape. For further information about Zaeras, feel free to message us, and we'll arrange a time to discuss how Zaeras is poised to revolutionize the LDES market. #ABOUND, #Zaeras, #LDES, #CleanEnergy

There are 21 nuclear power sites listed as undergoing decommissioning; announcements have been made that two of these will be brought back online. One is funded by loans from DOE/USDA and another funded by Microsoft. Amazon agreed earlier this year to acquire a data center campus with an interconnection agreement in place with an adjacent (online) nuclear plant. Google announced yesterday an agreement to back the construction of small reactors by a nuclear-energy startup. Big tech will continue to try to get ahead of these demands as there are no nuclear power plants currently under construction in the US, and AI-resultant power needs will strain current available generation capacity. https://lnkd.in/eMxUXDWD

A nuclear "movement" is emerging in the US, with tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon announcing nuclear projects, and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) committing significant funding to small modular reactor (SMR) development. This renewed interest is driven by anticipated electricity demand growth from datacenters, AI, EVs, and reshoring. While nuclear offers clean, efficient baseload power, significant challenges remain. The Vogtle plant's cost overruns and delays highlight the complexities of large-scale nuclear construction. Even restarting existing plants or deploying SMRs (which are still under development) won't fully address the projected demand surge in the near term. While nuclear has a role to play, it's unlikely to be a quick fix for the impending energy crunch. #nuclear #energy #SMR #powergeneration #energytransition #AI #power

After years of stagnation, nuclear has emerged in the last couple weeks as a promising option worth reviving, especially to fuel data centers. But putting more nuclear power on the grid — whether through reviving shuttered plants or building new ones — is complicated. At present, only two nuclear power plants have signed agreements to power data centers. New projects, from licensing to engineering, promise to be costly and lengthy. So what will it take to get the power source to scale? https://lnkd.in/ez8JppTc

NUCLEAR PLANTS A REALITY IN U.S. SHIFT Unthinkable Revival of Nuclear Plants Is a Reality in U.S. Shift https://hubs.la/Q02vytfY0 A month after the US offered $1.5 billion to restart one shuttered nuclear power plant, there’s a growing sense among officials in the industry and government that it may not be the last #usa #nuclearplants #nuclear #energyindustry #energynews #powerplants #government #energy

Good news for #nuclearenergy in Switzerland, where a new survey conducted by the Leewas Institute has shown that over half of the population supports the government's announced plan to lift the ban on constructing new nuclear power plants. Switzerland currently operates four nuclear reactors, generating about one-third of its electricity. The country’s Federal Council has highlighted that recent changes in the electricity market and pressing climate targets, have fundamentally altered the landscape, with the focus now shifting towards #sustainable energy solutions. It's exciting to see more countries recognising the critical role of #nuclearenergy in achieving a #sustainable future and delivering #netzero goals. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e7mpsRwu

The recent announcement regarding the revival of the Three Mile Island nuclear plant to supply electricity to Microsoft marks a pivotal moment for the nuclear energy sector. This development raises an important question: will other tech companies follow suit, and should we harness nuclear power more frequently? Despite its benefits, the nuclear industry faces significant challenges. Historical accidents have left a lasting stigma, leading to public scepticism and regulatory hurdles. Moreover, constructing new plants often encounters budget overruns and delays, which can deter investment. However, with increasing government support and innovative technologies on the horizon, these barriers may be surmountable. #ThreeMileIsland #NuclearRevival #TechInvestsInNuclear #MorningBrew

A very thoughtful article by Herbert Smith Freehills that questions the push for SMR (nuclear) in the Australian context. Combined with the recent CSRIO Gen Cost report of comparative energy costs, it raises several interesting hurdles for those championing a nuclear future as part of Australia's energy mix. https://lnkd.in/gy5KStKA