TL;DR
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) CEO emphasizes the need for more nuclear power in the UK to support AI data centers.
- AWS plans to invest £8 billion in new data centers in the UK over the next four years.
- The rise in AI services is anticipated to significantly increase electricity demand from data centers.
- Nuclear energy is highlighted as a zero-carbon, reliable power source essential for future energy needs.
- Concerns remain regarding the timeline and cost of deploying new nuclear technologies.
UK Needs More Nuclear to Power AI, Says Amazon Boss
The growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) services is prompting calls for a significant increase in nuclear energy in the UK, according to Matt Garman, CEO of Amazon Web Services (AWS). In a recent interview with the BBC, Garman posited that nuclear energy could become a pivotal source of power for the country’s expanding data center operations.
Significant Investment in Data Centers
AWS, the world’s largest cloud computing company and a subsidiary of Amazon, announced plans to spend £8 billion on new data centers in the UK over the next four years. These facilities are essential for processing the vast amounts of data generated by AI applications, including data analysis, streaming, and various cloud services.
Garman highlighted that a single data center can consume as much energy as a small town, elucidating the critical need for sustainable and reliable energy sources to meet this growing demand. Current consumption data indicates that the UK's 500 data centers utilize approximately 2.5% of the country’s total electricity, and this number is expected to swell to 6% by 2030. In contrast, Ireland's 80 data centers account for around 21% of the country's electricity needs, anticipated to reach 30% by 2030[^1].
The Case for Nuclear Power
During the interview, Garman touted nuclear energy as a "great solution" to meet future energy requirements, describing it as an "excellent source of zero-carbon, 24/7 power." This assertion reflects an increasing recognition of the role nuclear energy can play in a decarbonized future.
The UK currently operates several nuclear plants, and the French company EDF is building a new facility at Hinkley Point in Somerset, with another planned at Sizewell in Suffolk. This expansion comes as discussions about small modular reactors (SMRs) are gaining traction; these reactors are smaller and faster to build compared to traditional plants, potentially serving as a flexible option for energy generation.
Garman acknowledged the need for long-term energy planning, stating, "It’s something we plan many years out. We invest ahead. I think the world is going to have to build new technologies," specifically referring to nuclear solutions as part of this evolution[^2].
Addressing Challenges
Despite the push for nuclear power, challenges remain. Experts note that while modular reactors could alleviate some energy demands, there are currently very few that have been constructed around the globe. Concerns over the high costs and lengthy construction times of traditional plants also persist, raising questions about the feasibility of nuclear solutions meeting urgent energy demands.
Jess Ralston from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit pointed out that delays in grid connections could hinder growth, stating that "investors can be waiting years for grid connections holding back growth"[^3].
The Impact of AI and the Future of Regulation
With 52% of businesses incorporating AI to some degree and a new business adopting AI every minute, the implications of these advancements are substantial. Garman expressed his belief in the transformative power of AI, likening its impact to that of the internet. However, he also warned against hastily implemented international regulations, suggesting that regulatory bodies may struggle to keep pace with technological developments.
“It’s important to think about those controls and guardrails so that [AI] can go towards the betterment of society, not the detriment,” Garman advised[^2].
As the UK navigates this critical intersection of technology and energy, the dialogue surrounding nuclear power could shape not only its energy landscape but also the broader digital economy.
References
[^1]: "UK needs more nuclear to power AI, says Amazon Web Services boss." BBC News. Published May 15, 2025. Retrieved October 2023.
[^2]: Garman, Matt. "UK needs more nuclear to power AI, says Amazon boss." Obtained from BBC News. Retrieved October 2023.
[^3]: Ralston, Jess. "UK needs more nuclear to power AI, says Amazon boss." Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit. Retrieved October 2023.
[^4]: "Amazon plans to invest £8 billion in new data centres." BBC News. Published May 15, 2025. Retrieved October 2023.
Keywords: Nuclear Energy, AI, Data Centers, Amazon Web Services, Matt Garman, Electricity Demand, UK Energy Policy, Renewable Energy, Small Modular Reactors.
