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The Frontiers of Society, Science and Technology, 2024, 6(11); doi: 10.25236/FSST.2024.061110.

Small Modular Reactors: A Viable Path to Sustainable Data Centers in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Author(s)

Junchen Lu

Corresponding Author:
Junchen Lu
Affiliation(s)

BASIS International School Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China

Abstract

Advancements in digital technologies rely on the development of Data Centers (DCs). Yet, the rapidly increasing energy demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI) poses an unprecedented challenge to sustainability. Along with the expansion of the DC industry, this sector’s reliance on electricity, substantially from unrenewable sources, exacerbates carbon emissions. This paper discusses the historical trends and current trajectory of energy consumption by DCs in the age of AI and then explores the merits and downsides of adopting Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a potential solution to meet the energy demand of future computing facilities. In the end, we assess the future prospects of SMRs to ensure the energy sustainability of AI and its future developments.

Keywords

Data Centers; Artificial Intelligence (AI); Energy Consumption; Sustainable Developments; Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

Cite This Paper

Junchen Lu. Small Modular Reactors: A Viable Path to Sustainable Data Centers in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. The Frontiers of Society, Science and Technology (2024), Vol. 6, Issue 11: 58-62. https://doi.org/10.25236/FSST.2024.061110.

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