Technology Microsoft just made a huge bet on nuclear fusion

[vtqhtr413]

Content source

https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/10/23717332/microsoft-nuclear-fusion-power-plant-helion-purchase-agreement

Microsoft just signed a jaw-dropping agreement to purchase electricity from a nuclear fusion generator. Nuclear fusion, often called the Holy Grail of energy, is a potentially limitless source of clean energy that scientists have been chasing for the better part of a century.

A company called Helion Energy thinks it can deliver that Holy Grail to Microsoft by 2028. It announced a power purchase agreement with Microsoft this morning that would see it plug in the world’s first commercial fusion generator to a power grid in Washington. The goal is to generate at least 50 megawatts of power — a small but significant amount and more than the 42MW that the US’s first two offshore wind farms have the capacity to generate today.

Microsoft just made a huge, far-from-certain bet on nuclear fusion

“I would say it’s the most audacious thing I’ve ever heard.”

www.theverge.com

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www.geekwire.com

 

[MuzzMelbourne]

The terms 'nuclear(or nucular for GWB fans)' and 'clean energy' mentioned in the same paragraph still don't sit well with me...

 

[TairikuOkami]

I guess MS does not like Bloom Energy, because it powers Google, Apple and basically everyone else.

 

[plat]

Microsoft is "betting" on clean nuclear energy yet is making decisions about its operating systems that result in tons of extra e-waste, probably annually, for who know how long--in the name of enhanced security. But then we have this Black Lotus/Secure Boot bypass thing going on. Blah, blah.

Image is amazingly relevant today, Windows 11 notwithstanding.

Spoiler

 

[vtqhtr413]

I should have included this as I can see there is misunderstanding. It's only about 3 paragraphs long and well written, by the government no less.

Fission and Fusion: What is the Difference?

Learn the difference between fission and fusion - two physical processes that produce massive amounts of energy from atoms.

www.energy.gov

 

[plat]

Oh good, a thread already created for this topic.

Microsoft Plans to Build Nuclear-Powered Data Centers

Data center infrastructure is a complex matter. It requires shelter, cooling, and dedicated power generators that keep the servers running at full capacity and uptime. However, as these data centers can consume MegaWatts of power, it is becoming increasingly more work for hyperscalers like Meta...

www.techpowerup.com

Today, according to the job listing by Microsoft, we learn that the Redmond giant is preparing its infrastructure for nuclear power to reduce data centers' dependency on the outside grid. According to the job listing, Microsoft is seeking a "Principal Program Manager, Nuclear Technology, who will be responsible for maturing and implementing a global Small Modular Reactor (SMR) and microreactor energy strategy."

Although, in the back of my mind, this image comes to mind.

Spoiler