In a bold step towards the future of computing and artificial intelligence (AI), tech giant Microsoft is reportedly assembling a dedicated team to develop an energy strategy focused on Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and microreactor energy.
This strategic move is poised to change the AI technology landscape, placing Microsoft at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.
Microsoft Will Support AI Using Nuclear Power
Based on a Cointelegraph report, Microsoft is intending to recruit a Principal Program Manager who will lead the company in the exploration of nuclear technology.
This key work is expected to play a critical role in supporting the development of advanced AI models.
“The next big wave of computing is being born, as Microsoft Cloud transforms the world's most advanced AI models into new computing platforms,” said Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella.
This visionary approach emphasizes the company's commitment to unlocking the power of AI in the most sustainable way.
The ideal candidate for this position is expected to have a minimum of six years of experience in the nuclear industry, engineering, or energy markets.
In addition, these professionals will also be tasked with exploring innovative energy technologies beyond nuclear power, in line with Microsoft's commitment to environmental sustainability.
One of the driving factors behind the need for more sustainable energy solutions in the AI space is the significant energy consumption associated with complex machine learning models, including deep learning.
These models are computationally powerful and process large amounts of data, contributing to high energy demands.
A study published by MIT Technology Review in 2019 revealed that training one AI model could release as much carbon into the atmosphere as five cars over the course of many years.
To reduce this environmental impact, various strategies have emerged, including the development of more energy efficient algorithms and hardware, as well as the use of renewable energy sources to power data centers.
Nuclear energy, in particular, has attracted attention as a clean and viable energy source for such purposes.
The US Office of Nuclear Energy highlights one of the main advantages of nuclear energy, namely its ability to produce electricity without emissions of carbon and other greenhouse gases. However, it is important to recognize that nuclear power does not come without challenges.
Researchers at Stanford University argue that this is not a solution to all environmental problems due to factors such as the long time period between planning and operation, the large carbon footprint associated with the infrastructure and the inherent risk of a nuclear meltdown disaster.
Microsoft's ambitious risk-taking in adopting nuclear energy as one of the pillars of its AI strategy shows the company's commitment to addressing the energy consumption challenges faced by advanced machine learning models.
By embracing innovative energy technologies, Microsoft aims to drive the development of AI models while reducing their environmental impact.
