Labour reveals plans to build miniature nuclear reactors to enhance AI
England and Wales are set to face construction plans for a plethora of miniature nuclear reactors by 2032. These small modular reactors (SMRs) will be used to power AI datacentres within the UK and will exist as part of Keir Starmer’s plans to make the UK one of the leading nations in AI development.
Alongside these reactors, the government also has a variety of reforms planned to improve the UK’s position in the race for clean and sustainable energy. Keir has acknowledged “nimbyism” as a hurdle in his plans for nuclear reform. He claims a change in perception is necessary for real growth in this space and will offer cheaper energy bills to those who live close to a reactor’s construction.
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This is all part of Labour’s larger ‘AI opportunities Action Plan’, an attempt by the government to fully harness the rapid developments in AI technology. They hope these AI data centres will provide real and substantial change to the average UK citizen’s daily life. Despite the common belief that AI advancement will take jobs, the government has stated that this development will instead provide them.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has previously warned of a likely increase in cyber attacks to accompany AI development. This is due to the assistance new AI technologies may provide to those trying to gain unauthorised access to accounts through its ability to steal user data.