Boosting the Energy Market with AI and Electric Vehicles

In recent years, the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and electric vehicles (EVs) in the U.S. has created a rising demand for **electricity**. By 2025, electricity will account for 21% of global energy consumption, according to the **International Energy Agency** (IEA). This increase in demand comes at a time when the world is still unprepared to meet this growing need.

Increase in Energy Production in the United States

The U.S. is taking steps to increase its domestic energy production. In January, an **executive order** titled Unleashing American Energy was signed, aimed at eliminating regulations that restrict the construction of new nuclear plants and the extraction of fossil fuels. In May, a new order reinforced the intention to implement "**advanced nuclear technologies**".

Major tech companies, such as Meta and Microsoft, are investing in **nuclear energy** to meet the increasing demands of their operations. Meta signed a 20-year contract with Constellation to utilize energy from the **Clinton Power Station**, and Microsoft did the same with the **Three Mile Island**, now known as the **Crane Clean Energy Center**.

Other Nuclear Initiatives in the U.S.

Other inactive nuclear plants, such as the **Palisades** in Michigan, are being reactivated with government support. This plant has a capacity of 800 MW and received funding of **$1.52 billion** for its reopening.

Furthermore, companies are investing in startups seeking to develop new modular reactors. For example, Google is supporting Kairos Power, while Amazon has invested in **X-Energy**, which is building modular reactors in Washington.

The Growth of Renewable Energy

While there is a focus on increasing nuclear energy, solar energy continues to gain prominence. The **IEA** predicted that by 2030, renewable energy will increase by 4.6 TW, with 77% of that increase coming from solar energy. This occurs despite challenges faced by the solar energy industries in the U.S., which have lost subsidies.

In the United States, even with the downward revision of solar energy production forecasts, solar energy is considered the fastest and cheapest way to generate new electricity. A recent report indicated that solar energy increased from 1% of global generation in 2015 to 8.8% in the first half of 2025.

According to **Rob Gardner**, vice president of the Solar Manufacturers for America Coalition, "AI's demand for electricity is driving the installation of solar energy in the U.S." Gardner reported a study from **FERC** predicting that 92.6 GW of solar energy will be added by 2028.

Outlook for Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion is seen as the solution to future energy challenges. The **DOE** has launched a plan to turn nuclear fusion into a commercial reality. If successful, fusion could provide clean and abundant energy without the hazardous waste of nuclear fission.

The **ITER** project, currently under construction in France, will be the world's largest experimental fusion reactor. It seeks to develop technologies that could make fusion a viable energy source. The idea is that the materials necessary for fusion are abundant on Earth, making it a long-term alternative.

However, nuclear fusion still faces significant engineering challenges before it can become a commercial reality. Additionally, while there is great potential, infrastructure corrections and implementation capacity must remain priorities, especially as energy demand grows in the coming years.

The current scenario demonstrates that, despite advancements in nuclear energy, renewable energy still needs to be prioritized, becoming an essential part of the global energy matrix for the future.