Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Sign Nuclear-Backed Strategic Defence Pact Impacting Middle East, South Asia

The AI boom has significantly increased energy demands, shining a spotlight on nuclear power as a critical energy source for the future, particularly for data centers and industries such as shipping. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are gaining traction due to their efficiency, reliability, and suitability for commercial applications, including powering ships which could become self-sufficient and provide shore power. The U.S. and UK are fostering international cooperation through initiatives like the Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy to accelerate nuclear reactor approvals and investments, benefiting companies like Rolls Royce and TerraPower. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions are heightened by the recent Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, which could impact regional stability in the Middle East and South Asia due to Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. Despite challenges like public health concerns and capital costs, nuclear power is increasingly recognized as indispensable to the 4th Industrial Revolution energy landscape, with fusion energy research also advancing rapidly. Overall, nuclear energy is positioned as a less intermittent, more scalable alternative to renewables, crucial for meeting the surging power needs driven by AI and decarbonization efforts.