Argentina’s President, Javier Milei, recently announced plans to build nuclear reactors to power artificial intelligence (AI) servers. Since AI servers consume large amounts of electricity, Milei believes nuclear energy is the key solution.
“Nuclear energy is the only source that is sufficiently efficient, abundant, and rapidly scalable to cope with the development of our civilization,” Milei explained.
Addressing AI’s Growing Energy Demands
As AI continues to grow, its energy needs are expected to increase dramatically. Milei pointed out that current energy sources are insufficient to meet this rising demand. He added, “We are convinced that a resurgence of nuclear energy is going to be generated throughout the world.”
Currently, Argentina operates three nuclear power plants: Atucha I, Atucha II, and Embalse. According to official data, nuclear energy accounted for 9% of the country’s total energy consumption as of July.
The Need for More Power to Fuel AI
Running AI requires significant electricity due to the intensive computing operations involved. As a result, tech companies are seeking reliable energy sources that align with their zero-carbon goals. Along with wind and solar energy, many are turning to nuclear power to meet the growing demand.
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): A Future Solution
To address this challenge, Argentina plans to construct a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) at the Atucha nuclear plant. Demian Reidel, an advisor overseeing Argentina’s nuclear initiative, explained that SMRs are smaller, more affordable, and easier to install than traditional reactors. As a result, SMRs represent a practical and scalable solution.
Russia has already begun operating the world’s first nuclear plant with two SMRs, which began in 2020. Several other countries, including Argentina, Canada, China, South Korea, and the United States, are also developing SMR projects.
Global Support for Argentina’s Nuclear Vision
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi praised Milei’s announcement, calling it “promising.” He emphasized that nuclear energy has long been a vital tool for Argentina. “Nuclear energy is a tool that Argentina has used over the last 70 years with marked success,” Grossi said.
Furthermore, Argentina’s National Atomic Energy Commission has spent two decades working on the development of the CAREM small modular reactor. However, critics argue that the project has stalled due to Milei’s budget-cutting policies.
