November 1, 2026, (Inside AI) — The number of nuclear reactors under construction worldwide has reached 79, the highest level in four decades, driven by soaring fossil fuel prices and the rapid expansion of energy-intensive artificial intelligence. According to the World Nuclear Association, 11 new reactors broke ground in 2026 alone, underscoring a global shift toward nuclear power as a stable, low-carbon energy source for AI data centers.
The surge in construction marks a dramatic reversal for an industry that many had written off after the 2011 Fukushima disaster. For years, nuclear expansion stalled amid safety concerns and rising costs. Now, the twin pressures of climate goals and AI's insatiable electricity demand are reviving the sector. Data centers, which power AI models, consume vast amounts of electricity, and tech giants are scrambling to secure reliable, round-the-clock power. Nuclear energy, with its high capacity factor and zero emissions, has become an attractive option.
AI's Appetite For Power Reshapes Energy Calculus
The International Energy Agency estimates that data centers consumed about 460 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2022, and that figure could double by 2026. AI training and inference are particularly power-hungry. A single large language model training run can consume as much electricity as 100 homes use in a year. This demand is forcing utilities and governments to rethink their energy strategies. In the United States, several tech companies have signed long-term power purchase agreements with nuclear plants, and some are exploring small modular reactors (SMRs) for on-site generation. The United Kingdom, France, and China are also expanding their nuclear fleets.
“The rise in reactor construction is a direct response to the need for clean, firm power,” said Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of the World Nuclear Association. “AI is a game-changer for baseload electricity demand.”
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However, critics point out that nuclear projects often suffer from delays and cost overruns. The Vogtle plant in Georgia, the most recent U.S. nuclear build, was completed seven years late and billions over budget. The Hinkley Point C project in the U.K. has faced similar issues. Moreover, the long construction timelines mean that new reactors will not come online for at least five to seven years, while AI's energy needs are growing now.
My journalistic insight: The nuclear renaissance is real, but it is not a quick fix. The 79 reactors under construction will add significant capacity, but they will not address the immediate strain on grids. Tech companies are already investing in SMRs, which are smaller and faster to build, but regulatory hurdles remain. The AI boom may well accelerate nuclear innovation, but it will also test the industry's ability to deliver on time and on budget.
Small Modular Reactors Gain Traction
Small modular reactors (SMRs) are gaining momentum as a complementary solution. These reactors, typically producing less than 300 megawatts, can be factory-built and deployed more quickly. Companies like NuScale Power and Rolls-Royce SMR are developing designs that could be operational by the late 2020s. In October 2026, Microsoft announced a partnership with Constellation Energy to power a data center in Virginia with nuclear energy, including a plan to explore SMRs. Similarly, Google has committed to running its data centers on carbon-free energy by 2030, and nuclear is part of that mix.
Governments are also stepping up. The U.S. Department of Energy has launched a $6 billion program to support advanced nuclear projects. The European Union has included nuclear in its green taxonomy, making it eligible for sustainable finance. China leads the world with 23 reactors under construction, followed by India with 7 and Russia with 4. The United States has 2 under construction, but several more are planned.
Despite the optimism, challenges persist. Supply chain bottlenecks, skilled labor shortages, and regulatory delays could slow progress. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission in the U.S. has been criticized for its slow approval process. Additionally, public opposition remains in some regions, particularly after Fukushima. However, the urgency of climate change and the economic opportunities of AI are shifting attitudes.
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As the world races to power the AI revolution, nuclear energy is back in the spotlight. The 79 reactors under construction represent a bet that nuclear can deliver the reliable, clean power that AI demands. Whether that bet pays off will depend on execution and innovation in the years ahead.
