Vienna: Two significant forces are reshaping the global landscape at an unprecedented pace: the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the global transition toward clean, reliable energy. Together, these forces are converging to redefine the new global economy.
According to EMM, the AI revolution, with its enormous scale and speed, was destined to align with nuclear energy. This partnership is now a reality, driven by AI’s demand for vast, uninterrupted quantities of electricity. The convergence of AI and nuclear energy represents a structural alliance, aptly termed “Atoms for Algorithms,” as nuclear energy meets the demands of low-carbon generation, 24/7 reliability, and massive power density.
AI is not only powered by nuclear energy, but it is also enhancing it. In nuclear power operations, AI supports predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, and optimization of thermal performance. Additionally, AI is playing a crucial role in design, safety, and safeguards. This ongoing symbiosis is evident in IAEA laboratories and collaborations with Member States worldwide.
Data centres, despite existing in the virtual cloud, consume substantial amounts of electricity, amounting to over 400 TWh annually. This consumption is expected to more than double, driven by the expansion of AI-driven data centres globally. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) provide a viable solution, offering phased deployment and reduced transmission losses, particularly in areas where grid upgrades are delayed.
Globally, more than 30 newcomer countries are exploring nuclear energy, including SMRs, in tandem with AI development. This alignment ensures a sustainable digital future powered by clean energy. Countries in industrialized economies, such as the United States, Canada, and regions in Europe, are actively expanding nuclear capacities alongside AI advancements.
In Asia, countries like China, Japan, and the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, are investing heavily in nuclear energy and AI. The potential in Asia is vast, with countries like India, Indonesia, and the Philippines poised for significant growth in data-centre investments.
Latin American nations, including Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, are emerging as important markets for AI and nuclear energy. Meanwhile, Africa is on the brink of a digital leap, with countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa expanding data-centre capacities and nuclear power exploration.
The IAEA plays a pivotal role in supporting the integration of nuclear energy and AI, facilitating the safe deployment of AI in nuclear operations, and accelerating nuclear energy deployment. Through partnerships with global banks and regional development banks, the IAEA aids countries in meeting their economic ambitions, ensuring sound and sustainable investment.
As the AI and nuclear alliance grows, the IAEA continues to foster innovation and collaboration across borders and disciplines. The agency remains committed to delivering coordinated outcomes that advance clean energy solutions and enhance nuclear technology deployment.
As we forge ahead, the IAEA promises to remain a global asset, supporting international communities and shaping a sustainable digital age where AI and nuclear energy collectively benefit all regions.