As artificial intelligence data centers and high-end manufacturing industries experience rapid growth, the demand for electricity in the United States has soared. Consequently, nuclear energy has re-emerged as a focal point, drawing significant attention from both policymakers and investors. A strategic tug-of-war is unfolding among tech behemoths, Washington policymakers, and electric utilities, all vying to shape a stable and low-carbon power grid tailored for the AI era. Huatai Securities projects that by the close of 2026, the U.S. power system will confront a power deficit ranging from 18 to 27 gigawatts. In this context, nuclear energy, with its low-carbon footprint and reliability, is gaining prominence as a crucial power source.

The U.S. government has rolled out a series of policies to bolster nuclear energy development. Notably, it has enacted the 'Accelerating the Deployment of Versatile Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act' to spur technological innovation and facilitate exports in the nuclear sector. In tandem, tech giants like Google and Microsoft are proactively delving into nuclear energy applications, aiming to fulfill the steady power requirements of their sprawling data centers.

Nevertheless, the path to nuclear energy development is fraught with challenges, encompassing technological hurdles, safety concerns, and the need for public acceptance. Overcoming these obstacles necessitates a concerted effort from all stakeholders involved.