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Tech: Amazon's new forays into nuclear and newscasting

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Sat, 19 Oct 2024, 12:16pm
Photo/RNZ
Photo/RNZ

Tech: Amazon's new forays into nuclear and newscasting

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Sat, 19 Oct 2024, 12:16pm

Amazon is joining other top tech firms with a foray into nuclear power  

This deal is to explore the development of small modular nuclear reactors. AI needs massive amounts of computing power, and that requires electricity. Virginia's power demand is already growing 5% YOY and is expected to be double 2024’s level in 15 years.  

In addition to that, Amazon is part of a $500 million financing round in a private company opening four small nuclear plants in the West.  

The WSJ called it a "renaissance" of nuclear power. The approach seems to be a little different this time though - with smaller plants rather than large sites. The larger sites run billions of dollars over budget and years behind schedule. These companies want to make sure they have the power when they need it.  


  
And, Amazon will now also be delivering election night news  

Their Amazon Prime Video Service will host a live broadcast of the results hosted by former NBC broadcaster Brian Williams. It's the first time the streamer has got into the news game. It says coverage will be an “informative, accessible and non-partisan presentation", which will reference third-party news sources across all political affiliations. Maybe the idea is for Brian Williams will be our guide to all the information being presented? 

 

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