U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz promoted nuclear energy at a gathering in New York on Thursday [1].
The remarks highlight a strategic shift in energy priorities as the global demand for power grows to support the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence. The U.S. is seeking to strengthen cooperation with allies to expand the use of peaceful nuclear power to maintain a competitive edge in technology and energy security [1, 2].
Speaking at the United Nations headquarters, Waltz described the current state of the industry as a period of significant growth. "We are experiencing a renaissance in nuclear energy," Waltz said [1].
He addressed the intersection of energy production and the tech sector, arguing that current renewable sources are insufficient for the high energy demands of advanced computing. "AI can’t run on wind and solar," Waltz said [2].
Waltz emphasized that nuclear energy provides the necessary baseload power to sustain the infrastructure required for AI. He advocated for a broader international effort to facilitate the deployment of nuclear technology to ensure stability in the global energy grid [1, 2].
The ambassador's push for nuclear expansion aligns with efforts to diversify energy portfolios and reduce reliance on intermittent power sources. By promoting peaceful nuclear energy, the U.S. aims to establish a framework for collaboration with partner nations to share technology, and regulatory standards [1].
“We are experiencing a renaissance in nuclear energy.”
This position reflects an increasing tension between climate goals based on renewables and the massive electricity requirements of data centers. By framing nuclear energy as a prerequisite for AI leadership, the U.S. is prioritizing energy density and reliability to ensure that the technological race for artificial intelligence is not hindered by power shortages.
