Microsoft consumes lots of electricity. They'll build a nuclear plant

The development of artificial intelligence and other new technologies requires a large amount of computational power. This presents a challenge for companies in the technology sector, which is to provide a sufficient amount of electricity to maintain infrastructure. That's precisely why Microsoft will build its own nuclear power plant.

CNBC reports an appearance of a job listing at Microsoft. The Redmond giant is seeking a nuclear technology expert for a managerial role (Principal Program Manager of Nuclear Technology). The company plans to invest in the development of small modular nuclear reactors (SMR) and micro-reactors, which are to be used to power future Microsoft facilities.

Small modular reactors (SMR) are essentially reactors with a power output of up to 300 MW, or approximately 30 percent of the power output achieved by traditional nuclear reactors. An advantage of these is that they can be transported to the installation site in small modules. This not only reduces the cost of building a nuclear power plant but also shortens the construction time.

Placed at a depth of about 98 feet, SMR reactors do not emit greenhouse gases and do not pollute the air. In addition, they provide an independent energy source and use low-isotope U-235 fuel. These are also structures in which fuel does not need to be replenished for several years.

Power plants based on SMR would be used by Microsoft to provide the energy necessary to maintain computing and data centers (used among others in Microsoft Cloud). The role of the employed manager will be the selection of technological partners in the process of building a nuclear power plant and conducting the appropriate research work associated with nuclear technology.

The giant requires candidates to have at least six years of experience in the nuclear industry and three years of project management experience. No specific salary that a potential employee can expect was mentioned in the announcement, but Microsoft notes that in the San Francisco and New York area, the typical pay for this position ranges from approximately $173,000 to approximately $282,000 a year.