The CEO Dialogs | $700M Startup CEO: Nuclear Energy Fuels AI

As AI continues to evolve and require more energy, major tech companies such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are turning to nuclear power. Amazon recently invested $500 million in nuclear energy, and Google secured its first nuclear power agreement. Additionally, Microsoft is working to restart the Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Pennsylvania to meet its growing AI energy needs.

However, not all nuclear energy initiatives have gone smoothly in the tech world. Meta, for instance, had to halt its plans to open a nuclear power plant after discovering a rare bee species near the site, alongside regulatory obstacles.

James Walker, CEO of NANO Nuclear Energy—the first nuclear microreactor company listed on NASDAQ—believes that nuclear energy is vital for the future of AI. NANO, founded in 2022, specializes in microreactors that convert heat from nuclear reactions into electricity. At the time of this writing, NANO’s market cap stood at around $700 million.

In an exclusive interview, Walker discussed the pros and cons of nuclear energy and how his company is navigating the challenges of building a nuclear energy startup.

Q. What are the benefits and challenges of operating nuclear power plants?

Walker: The primary advantage is that nuclear power provides a reliable, carbon-free energy source essential to meet the growing global demand for energy. The downside is that older plants require substantial upgrades to meet current safety standards, which can be both costly and time-consuming.

Q. Is nuclear energy a viable alternative to traditional energy sources for AI?

Walker: Yes, absolutely. AI data centers require constant, high-output energy, and while renewable energy sources like solar and wind are important, they cannot meet these demands on their own. Nuclear energy, especially with innovations like microreactors, offers a steady, carbon-free power supply that is crucial for AI’s future growth. It’s an essential part of the puzzle if we want to continue advancing AI without hitting energy limitations.

Q. Why did you decide to start a nuclear energy company?

Walker: Fossil fuels have served us well, but they are neither sustainable nor efficient enough to support the energy needs of tomorrow. Nuclear energy, particularly with microreactor technology, offers a unique solution for generating clean, reliable power that can be deployed almost anywhere—making it a significant advantage over other renewables.

Q. Where do you see opportunities for new businesses to make a difference?

Walker: Energy storage is one area where innovation is needed, especially in the renewable sector. Battery technology is improving, but there’s still room for new companies to find better ways to store, distribute, and use renewable energy. Another critical area is improving the logistics of fuel transportation and handling nuclear materials safely and cost-effectively. Additionally, there’s a huge opportunity for businesses that can help reduce waste and improve recycling in energy production across all sectors.

Nuclear Energy Says CEO Startup