A detailed model from Chronometer Partners warns that rising LNG exports and AI data center demand could drain US natural gas storage by 2030, leading to higher electricity prices. Nuclear power is positioned as a key carbon-free baseload solution, with tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta already signing direct power purchase agreements tied to existing or restarted nuclear plants. However, the article highlights a major obstacle: while national polls show 59-72% support for nuclear energy, 53% of Americans oppose having a plant in their own community. Data centers face even stronger backlash, with 63-71% opposition locally. The practical path forward may be expanding nuclear at existing reactor sites, where 70-86% of nearby residents support adding small modular reactors, but data center developers continue to cluster in regions like Northern Virginia and Texas that lack nearby nuclear capacity.
