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By Staff Writer
Microsoft Corporation has become the first of the global technology giants to join the World Nuclear Association (WNA), marking a pivotal step for nuclear power, which the company recognises as essential to its carbon-free energy strategy. The move highlights nuclear’s critical role in powering the AI-driven digital economy while supplying reliable, carbon-free electricity to modern data centres.
The announcement coincides with the 50th World Nuclear Symposium in London. Microsoft will also participate in the WNA’s Energy Users Summit, exploring partnerships and opportunities with the nuclear and broader energy-intensive sectors.
Microsoft’s energy commitments:
- A 20‑year power purchase agreement with Constellation Energy will restart the Crane Clean Energy Centre (formerly Three Mile Island Unit 1), a key facility in Pennsylvania with a history of nuclear generation dating back to the 1970s.
- Microsoft has secured one of the first long-term agreements with fusion developer Helion, a US-based company developing commercial fusion technology.
- Through its WNA membership, Microsoft will support advanced nuclear technologies (including small modular reactors and fusion), regulatory efficiency to streamline safe deployment, and strengthening global supply chains.
The company’s initiatives will be led by its Energy Technology team, headed by Dr Melissa Lott, working directly with WNA technical working groups to accelerate nuclear deployment, streamline regulation, and develop commercial models to scale carbon-free energy.
Dr Sama Bilbao y León, Director-General of the World Nuclear Association, called Microsoft’s membership “a game-changing moment,” sending a clear signal to policymakers, markets, and industry about nuclear’s role in a low-carbon future.
Dr Melissa Lott said the partnership reflects a strategic moment for the tech sector’s carbon-free energy ambitions: “When you combine Microsoft’s technological capabilities with the nuclear industry’s proven track record of delivering reliable, carbon‑free baseload power, you create the foundation for unprecedented innovation.”
Since the last Symposium, the WNA has welcomed 70 new members from finance, consulting, supply chains, and technology — reflecting nuclear’s growing relevance across sectors and its essential role in supporting large technology companies’ energy strategies.
