In a nutshell: Small modular reactors (SMRs) symbolize a proposed know-how for a brand new technology of nuclear fission reactors. SMRs are smaller than typical reactors; they are often constructed at one location after which transported and put in elsewhere. Most significantly, SMRs are nonetheless within the prototype stage, however Microsoft is already inserting a guess on an SMR-powered future nonetheless.
A latest job itemizing from Microsoft is searching for an skilled in nuclear know-how to steer the corporate’s new vitality initiative. This senior place, titled “Principal Program Supervisor Nuclear Know-how,” goals to help Microsoft in creating, maturing, and implementing a worldwide vitality technique centered round SMR and different microreactor designs.
The job posting features a quote from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, who states that the “subsequent main wave of computing is being born,” with cloud and AI fashions rising as the brand new dominant “computing platform.” It is price noting that cloud and AI algorithms demand substantial vitality sources. Subsequently, Microsoft seems to be exploring the opportunity of establishing its personal energy technology amenities based mostly on SMR designs.
The brand new rent may have the duty of main the “technical evaluation” for integrating SMR and different microreactor designs into Microsoft Cloud’s current knowledge facilities. The perfect candidate ought to possess prior expertise within the vitality trade, together with a profound understanding of nuclear applied sciences and regulatory affairs.
The brand new supervisor may even have to have an open mindset as they are going to be answerable for figuring out and collaborating with different teams to realize widespread objectives. The place’s duties embrace a results-oriented strategy, making a “complete” roadmap for SMR deployment, experience in figuring out cost-saving alternatives, and establishing long-term strategic relationships with key distributors and trade teams.
As of now, small modular reactors and different next-generation nuclear reactors are nonetheless within the prototype part, with a number of gadgets being developed in 19 nations. Microsoft co-founder Invoice Gates is a robust advocate of modern nuclear reactors by way of his firm, TerraPower. A spokesperson confirmed to CNBC that TerraPower “doesn’t at the moment have any agreements” to promote its reactor designs to Microsoft.
Microsoft is clearly aiming to be an early entrant within the rising marketplace for compact nuclear reactors, and it isn’t simply fusion. Earlier this 12 months, the corporate made a take care of Helion Vitality to develop a brand new working fusion vitality gadget inside 5 years.