Powering data centres, especially at a time when the energy-hungry AI technology is exploding to reach far corners across industries, may prove to be an uphill task but
Microsoft
has a solution. Instead of using the traditional methods of generating the
power
required to keep the lights of its
data centres
on, the company is looking to next-generation
nuclear
reactors that can power its huge data centres.
And for this, the company has hired a director to oversee the company’s nuclear strategy.
Microsoft has hired Archie Manoharan as a director of nuclear technologies to oversee a program to develop small-scale atomic reactors to power datacenters as an alternative to fossil fuels. As per her LinkedIn, she has over 15 years of experience in the
energy
industry.
“I am delighted to share that I have started a new role at Microsoft as the Director of Nuclear Technologies. I am grateful to P. Todd Noe and Sean James for this incredible opportunity. I am excited to work with my new colleague Erin Henderson, PhD, MBA, PMP,” she said in a post.
“Microsoft is proud to be part of the global effort to decarbonize the electricity sector and empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more. I am eager to contribute to this vision!” she added. Previously, Microsoft hired Erin Henderson as director of nuclear development acceleration.
Microsoft’s energy strategy
Microsoft had been looking to bolster its nuclear energy strategy and last year it posted a job listing regarding the same. Data centres use a lot of electricity, which may be a hindrance in the company’s climate goals. Companies like Google and Apple are already accelerating towards their carbon neutral targets.
Nuclear energy is an answer to the increase in demand without impacting the environment as it doesn’t emit greenhouse gases. However, there have been debates on the handling of radioactive waste and the uranium supply chain.
English (US) ·