Behind the Money How the AI boom is reviving Three Mile Island
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Dec 18, 2024 Jamie Smyth, the US energy editor at the Financial Times, dives into the intersection of AI and nuclear power. Tech giants like Microsoft are eyeing Three Mile Island to fuel their energy needs amid a nuclear revival. Smyth explains the hurdles of restarting the reactor, from regulatory challenges to equipment procurement. He shares insights on local community sentiments affected by past traumas connected to the disaster. The discussion also highlights the delicate balance between economic benefits and safety concerns in the push for clean energy.
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Three Mile Island Disaster
- The 1979 Three Mile Island nuclear accident caused a mass evacuation.
- It significantly shifted public opinion against nuclear power in the US.
Nuclear Power's Revival
- Big tech companies' increasing energy demands are driving a renewed interest in nuclear power.
- This shift is happening despite the historical stigma surrounding nuclear energy.
AI's Energy Consumption
- AI is a major factor in the increasing demand for electricity.
- AI chatbots, for instance, consume significantly more power than regular Google searches.