Nuclear Advocate Alex Trembath Urges Deployment of Thousands of Advanced Reactors for Decarbonization

Alex Trembath, Deputy Director of the Breakthrough Institute, has publicly called for the construction of thousands of new nuclear reactors to address global energy demands and achieve decarbonization goals. His statement, delivered via social media, underscores a growing advocacy for nuclear power as a critical component of a clean energy future, particularly focusing on advanced and small modular reactors (SMRs).

Trembath's assertion, > "Gotta build thousands of reactors," highlights the ambitious scale he believes is necessary for a successful energy transition. This perspective aligns with the Breakthrough Institute's techno-optimistic approach to environmental challenges, emphasizing technological innovation to provide abundant, clean energy. The push for numerous reactors is driven by the need to supply reliable, 24/7 low-carbon electricity for burgeoning sectors like AI data centers, which require significant power.

The advocacy for thousands of reactors often centers on advanced and small modular reactor technologies. Unlike large conventional reactors, SMRs are designed to be factory-built and deployed more rapidly, potentially overcoming the siting, financial, and regulatory hurdles that have historically slowed large-scale nuclear projects. This modularity is seen as key to achieving the rapid deployment rates required to meet aggressive climate targets.

Recent corporate commitments underscore this shift, with tech giants like Google and Amazon investing in SMRs to power their operations. Google has committed to purchasing 500 MW from Kairos Energy, while Amazon has backed X-Energy, investing $500 million and securing power for its data centers. These deals signal a growing confidence in advanced nuclear solutions, with initial builds anticipated by the early 2030s.

While some experts debate the cost-effectiveness and scalability of SMRs compared to larger reactors, proponents argue that their smaller footprint, enhanced safety features, and potential for faster deployment make them ideal for a diverse range of applications. The goal is to build a resilient energy system that incorporates various low-carbon technologies, with nuclear playing a foundational role in providing consistent, high-density power.