量子位·2025-07-01 07:29Core Viewpoint - The current trend in technology is AI, with the next focus shifting towards nuclear power, specifically nuclear fusion, as a solution to the increasing energy demands driven by AI advancements [1]. Investment Trends in Nuclear Fusion - Major tech companies are investing heavily in nuclear fusion to meet the exponential growth in computational power requirements. Google has made significant investments in Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), including a recent agreement to purchase electricity from CFS's first power plant, Arc, which is expected to be operational by 2030 [2][5][12]. - Google has invested in CFS multiple times, including participation in a $1.8 billion B-round financing in 2021 and leading a $150 million E-round financing for TAE Technologies in 2023 [4][13]. CFS Developments - CFS, which has raised over $2 billion and is one of the largest nuclear fusion companies globally, is developing the Sparc demonstration reactor, which aims to produce more energy than it consumes. The reactor is currently 60% complete and is expected to be finished by 2026 [8][10]. - The Arc power plant will be located near Richmond, Virginia, and is set to supply 200 megawatts of power to Google [5][12]. Broader Industry Movements - Other tech giants are also entering the nuclear power sector. Microsoft has signed a power purchase agreement with Helion for a fusion power plant expected to be operational by 2028, marking the first such agreement globally [17]. - Microsoft is also investing $16 billion to restart the Three Mile Island nuclear plant, which is expected to provide power for 20 years [23]. - Amazon is supporting the construction of new small modular reactors (SMRs) in the Pacific Northwest and has led a $50 million financing round for X-energy [23]. - Meta has signed a 20-year nuclear power purchase agreement with Constellation Energy [24]. Chinese Nuclear Power Initiatives - Chinese companies are also increasing their investments in nuclear fusion, with announcements of significant capital injections into domestic fusion energy firms [30]. - Notably, the company Energy Singularity, backed by MiHoYo, has completed a B-round financing and is advancing its high-temperature superconducting tokamak technology [30]. Conclusion - The nuclear fusion sector is gaining momentum as a critical area of investment among tech companies, driven by the need for sustainable energy solutions to support the growing demands of AI technologies [31].