AI could turn Paducah nuclear again

As artificial intelligence demands more energy than ever, small U.S. towns like Paducah, Kentucky, are finding themselves at the center of a surprising comeback for nuclear power. The city, once known as “Atomic City,” is seeing renewed interest in uranium enrichment as tech companies race to power massive AI data centers. This revival could transform local economies and the nation’s energy landscape.

AI energy demand drives nuclear revival

The surge in AI technologies is creating unprecedented energy consumption. Tech companies powering large language models and generative AI tools are exploring nuclear energy as a reliable, carbon-free source to meet this demand. Paducah, home to a former uranium enrichment plant shuttered in 2013, has now become a key focus for private startups and government initiatives aiming to restore domestic uranium production.

Paducah’s atomic past meets AI future

Paducah’s history with nuclear energy spans over 60 years, with its enrichment plant once supplying the U.S. with enriched uranium. After the plant’s closure, the city embraced its identity as “Quilt City” and even earned a UNESCO creative city designation. Now, the same facility could fuel the next wave of AI innovation, with a Peter Thiel-backed startup and federal programs considering it as a hub for energy-intensive AI operations.

How AI could reshape small-town economies

If these nuclear projects move forward, towns like Paducah could see an economic resurgence. Jobs in energy, construction, and tech support may return alongside increased investment in infrastructure. While this nuclear revival raises questions about safety, sustainability, and environmental impact, it highlights how AI’s growth could fundamentally reshape local economies across America. For Paducah, the next chapter may see its “Atomic City” nickname come to life again—this time powered by AI.