Artificial intelligence (AI) has been the primary topic of conversation in the tech world for some time, but sustainable and scalable energy sources are still being whispered about. And now, both AI and energy are being discussed in the same breath, with the combination of atomic energy and AI discussed in-depth by Oklo, industry pioneers, at SXSW 2024.
At The Lively & Grit Daily House, Oklo’s CEO, Jacob DeWitte, and COO, Caroline Cochran, joined CNBC’s MacKenzie Sigalos on stage to delve into the intriguing nexus. They explored how nuclear fission’s reliability and efficiency could serve as the backbone for AI’s burgeoning energy demands.
The insightful discussion highlighted the innovative strides being made in nuclear technology and the essential role of energy in the AI revolution, framing a future where technological progress and environmental stewardship are inextricably linked.
It is a particularly important topic of conversation when you think of how many natural resources are consumed to power the unstoppable force that is AI. Whether it’s water to cool or energy to power, the AI revolution requires significant support. For power, nuclear energy provides a potential solution.
Nuclear energy is often weighed down by regulatory hurdles and public skepticism. However, with the demands of rapidly advancing AI technologies, it is witnessing a rise in prominence. That is seen clearly from Sam Altman’s investment in Oklo, which highlights the need for massive, scalable, and clean energy sources to sustain the computational demands of future AI systems.
When placed beside the speculative horizon of fusion, Oklo’s pursuit of fission energy signifies a pragmatic approach to meeting immediate energy demands with proven, operable solutions.
“It’s truly a silver bullet. It works.” remarked DeWitte when discussing the potential of nuclear power to solve the energy crisis.
DeWitte continued on to explain fission’s efficiency and sustainability, something he backed by a casual revelation that he was carrying uranium as a symbol of nuclear energy’s safe and potent potential. His insights pointed toward a future where nuclear power could be the linchpin for a sustainable, electrified planet.
The vision DeWitte put forward is not just about meeting the colossal energy requirements of AI. Instead, he aims to herald an era where clean, reliable, and abundant energy transforms societal infrastructures, from data centers to city grids.
Sitting alongside DeWitte, Cochran discussed the operational side of the business. She revealed the rigorous journey of innovation within the nuclear sector, which is marked by a complex landscape of regulatory compliance and operational readiness. It painted a vivid picture of what it takes to bring groundbreaking technologies from conception to reality, emphasizing a slow yet inexorable march towards operationalizing small-scale, inherently safe nuclear reactors.
But the goal for Okla has never been to solve the power needs of AI, though that is certainly a goal. Nuclear energy also has a broader societal impact, from reducing carbon footprints to enhancing national security through energy resilience.
Oklo’s model, emphasizing small, scalable reactors and the recycling of nuclear waste, presents a new approach to overcoming traditional barriers obstructing nuclear energy’s adoption.
The “Atomic Energy & AI” panel shed light on a critical intersection of technology and sustainability, where the future of AI and the planet’s ecological balance must be addressed and may well depend on the revival and innovation within the nuclear energy sector.
If you missed this insightful panel, make sure to check out the video below to explore the power of atomic energy and its potential to solve AI power concerns.
Spencer Hulse is the Editorial Director at Grit Daily. He is responsible for overseeing other editors and writers, day-to-day operations, and covering breaking news.