Silicon Valley Steps Into Illinois Nuclear Power Subsidies

Nuclear power is emerging as a critical component in the United States and globally for meeting growing electricity demands, ensuring grid reliability, and reducing carbon emissions. Indiana Governor Mike Braun is advancing legislation to establish one of the nation's first small modular reactor (SMR) pilot programs, aiming to position Indiana as a leader in nuclear energy despite having no current nuclear plants. Similarly, New York has committed to building a new large-scale nuclear plant to provide clean, reliable baseload power, contrasting with Illinois, which has only partially lifted its moratorium on new nuclear plants and currently relies heavily on existing reactors that supply over half of its electricity. In Illinois, tech leaders like Mark Zuckerberg are stepping in to subsidize aging nuclear plants to support the power needs of expanding data centers, highlighting challenges in balancing energy demand and supply amid plant closures. On an international scale, countries like South Africa view nuclear power, including SMR and Pebble Bed Modular Reactor technologies, as vital for sustainable economic growth, poverty alleviation, and energy security, especially given the intermittency of renewable sources like solar and wind. Despite criticisms concerning waste and economics of SMRs, nuclear energy's stable, carbon-free output is increasingly seen as indispensable for future energy strategies.