Microsoft Corp. has become the newest member of the World Nuclear Association, affirming the tech giant’s growing reliance on nuclear energy to power its data centers and advance its carbon-negative goals, the industry group said on Wednesday.

The move marks a rare alignment between Big Tech and the nuclear sector, as soaring electricity demand from artificial intelligence and cloud computing drives interest in reliable, carbon-free energy.

“Microsoft’s membership with the Association is a game-changing moment for our industry,” said Sama Bilbao y León, director general of the World Nuclear Association, in a statement. “It sends a powerful signal to markets, policymakers and industry leaders worldwide.”

Microsoft is expected to participate in the World Nuclear Symposium in London this week, including a new Energy Users Summit where nuclear and energy-intensive industries will explore partnerships.

Deals With Constellation, Helion

The Redmond, Washington-based company has already signed long-term nuclear power agreements.

In 2023, it struck a 20-year deal with Constellation Energy to restart the Crane Clean Energy Center, formerly Three Mile Island Unit 1. It agreed a landmark contract with fusion energy start-up Helion.

The company said its membership comes at a critical time, with data center electricity use projected to climb sharply over the next decade.

Focus on Advanced Reactors and Supply Chains

Through the partnership, Microsoft and the World Nuclear Association aim to support the development of small modular reactors and next-generation designs, streamline licensing processes and strengthen global nuclear supply chains.

Microsoft’s efforts will be led by its Energy Technology team, including Dr. Melissa Lott, Todd Noe and Archie Manoharan, who will join the association’s technical working groups.

“When you combine Microsoft’s technological capabilities with the nuclear industry’s proven track record of reliable, carbon-free baseload power, you create the foundation for unprecedented innovation,” Lott said.

The membership comes as governments and corporations intensify efforts to secure clean, dependable electricity for the digital economy.

“Nuclear energy isn’t just part of the technology sector’s energy strategy — it’s essential to it,” Bilbao y León said.

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