Seoul, Oct 31 (IANS) — International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi on Friday said that nuclear power must play a central role in addressing the world’s rapidly increasing electricity demand, driven by the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI), data centres, and digital transformation.
In a video address to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in Gyeongju, Grossi highlighted that the swift rise of AI is intensifying global energy consumption, creating both challenges and opportunities for clean, sustainable power sources, Yonhap News Agency reported.
“Data centres already consume around one and a half percent of global electricity, and that share is growing by more than 10 percent every year,” Grossi noted. “Major technology companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Meta are signing power purchase agreements and exploring nuclear energy to meet the massive energy needs of their AI data centres.”
Emphasising nuclear power’s scalability and reliability, Grossi said it offers a low-carbon solution that complements renewable energy sources by providing consistent, weather-independent electricity.
He pointed out that over two dozen countries are currently pursuing efforts to triple global nuclear capacity by mid-century, while around 30 newcomer nations are developing civilian nuclear programmes with IAEA’s support.
“Many advanced nuclear designs, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and next-generation systems, are being developed in APEC regions,” he said. “These technologies can bring nuclear power to more areas with greater flexibility, enhanced safety, and improved efficiency.”
Grossi also underscored the growing interdependence between AI and nuclear energy, stating that as economies digitalise and industries electrify, the two sectors can “grow together.”
“AI drives innovation, and nuclear power supports it,” he said. “Electricity demand will rise, climate pressures will mount, and technology will advance rapidly. Every clean energy source will be needed — and nuclear must be a vital part of that equation.”
