Essay by Eric Worrall
Microsoft appears to have quietly accepted the reality that renewables cannot deliver the reliable and affordable energy their data centers need.
Principal Program Manager Nuclear Technology
Multiple Locations, United States
Date posted Sep 25, 2023
Job number 1627555
Work site Up to 100% work from home
Travel 0-25 %
Role type Individual Contributor
Profession Program Management
Discipline Technical Program Management
Employment type Full-Time
Overview
“The next major wave of computing is being born, as the Microsoft Cloud turns the world’s most advanced AI models into a new computing platform,” said Satya Nadella, chairman and chief executive officer of Microsoft. “We are committed to helping our customers use our platforms and tools to do more with less today and innovate for the future in the new era of AI.”
We’re looking for a Principal Program Manager, Nuclear Technology, who will be responsible for maturing and implementing a global Small Modular Reactor (SMR) and microreactor energy strategy.
This senior position is tasked with leading the technical assessment for the integration of SMR and microreactors to power the datacenters that the Microsoft Cloud and AI reside on. They will maintain a clear and adaptable roadmap for the technology’sintegration, diligently select and manage technology partners and solutions, and constantly evaluate the business implications of progress and implementation.
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Before you rush to brush up your CV, the job mentions they are no longer accepting applications.
Microsoft also inked a deal in June with Constellation Energy to supply nuclear power to one of their data centres.
Microsoft tried the renewable route, but it obviously isn’t working out.
Back in 2015 Bill Gates announced a $1 billion investment in clean energy. But by 2018 he had cooled somewhat on renewables over concerns battery technology wasn’t up to the job of firming intermittent energy sources, though he still seems to be slinging lots of cash at exotic energy projects, such as organic solar cell development.
As far as I’m aware Bill Gates and Microsoft have not made an official comment on why they need a nuclear programme. Which seems rather a shame, because a strong statement from someone as well known as Bill Gates could potentially help save the world from squandering trillions of dollars on useless renewables.