Convergence of the Future Development of Artificial Intelligence and Nuclear Energy until 2050
https://doi.org/10.26794/2220-6469-2026-20-2-6-21
Abstract
This study is devoted to the analysis of the mutual influence and convergence of two key technological megatrends of our time — artificial intelligence (AI) and the renaissance of nuclear energy (NE) as part of the transformation of global energy towards decarbonisation. The purpose of the study is a systematic analysis of the possibility of convergence and an assessment of the prospects for its implementation on the horizon up to 2050. The analysis centers on key trends and possible scenarios for the development of AI, as well as core international initiatives aimed at tripling the AE capacity by 2050, including the “Large Energy Users Pledge” adopted at the CERAWeek-2025 conference. The directions of strategic investments of leading technology corporations in NE projects, including technologies related to the development of small modular reactors (SMR) and fast neutron reactors, are considered. Attention is also paid to technological innovations in the field of reactor engineering and their potential to meet the needs of high-energy Big Data Centers. As a result, possible convergence scenarios are presented and key trends are identified. In conclusion, findings indicate the real possibility of using the NE potential to ensure AI exponential growth, which determines the practical value of this study.
About the Authors
Yu. B. PonomarevaRussian Federation
Yulia B. Ponomareva — Cand. Sci. (Econ.), Deputy Director of the Paks NPP Construction Project for Economics and Finance
Moscow
I. M. Stepnov
Russian Federation
Igor M. Stepnov — Dr. Sci. (Econ.), Professor, Prof. of the Department of Corporate Finance and Corporate Governance
Moscow
I. E. Frolov
Russian Federation
Igor E. Frolov — Dr. Sci. (Econ.), Deputy Director for Scientific Work, Head of the Laboratory for Analysis and Forecasting of the Impact of Research and Development on Socio-economic Development
Moscow
References
1. Gokhberg L.M., Turovets Yu.V., Vishnevskii K.O., et al. Artificial intelligence in Russia: Technologies and markets. Moscow: HSE; 2025. 148 p. (In Russ.).
2. Sechin I.I. The emerging global energy landscape. Vestnik MGIMO-Universiteta = MGIMO Review of International Relations. 2025;18(4):137-163. (In Russ.). DOI: 10.24833/2071-8160-2025-4-103-137-163
3. KlavdienkoV.P. Structural changes in primary energy consumption as a factor of decarbonization of global energy. Vestnik Instituta ekonomiki Rossiiskoi akademii nauk = Bulletin of the Institute of Economics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. 2025;(1):129-151. (In Russ.). DOI: 10.52180/2073-6487_2025_1_129_151
4. Lokonova E.L., Zheleznyakova A.V., Ryabyshev M.V.The future of nuclear energy in the context of modern social changes. Global’naya yadernaya bezopasnost’ = Global Nuclear Safety. 2025;15(2):107-116. (In Russ.). DOI: 10.26583/gns-2025-02-11
5. Frolov I.E., KiselevV.N.Artificial intelligence as a driver of breakthrough technologies: Global trends and lessons for Russia. Studies on Russian Economic Development. 2025;36(3):378-387. DOI: 10.1134/S1075700725700108 (In Russ.: Problemy prognozirovaniya. 2025;(3):122-134. DOI: 10.47711/0868-6351-210-122-134).
6. Shkarupeta E.V., et al. Laws of scientific and technological innovative development in the paradigm of sustainable development and circular economy. Tsifrovaya i otraslevaya ekonomika. 2022;(2):115-120. (In Russ.).
7. Brockman J., ed. Possible minds: Twenty-five ways of looking at AI. New York, NY: Penguin Press; 2019. 320 p.
8. Dominguez J. Statement on nuclear energy for data centers. In: Dignan L.Constellation energy, Microsoft ink nuclear power pact for AI data center. Constellation research. 2024. URL: https://www.constellationr.com/blog-news/insights/constellation-energy-microsoft-ink-nuclear-power-pact-ai-data-center
9. Hertwich E.G.Addressing biogenic greenhouse gas emissions from hydropower in LCA. Environmental Science & Technology. 2013;47(17):9604-9611. DOI: 10.1021/es401820p
10. Joskow P.L. Comparing the costs of intermittent and dispatchable electricity generating technologies. American Economic Review. 2011;101(3):238-241. DOI: 10.1257/aer.101.3.238
11. Semibratov A., Tikhomirov G.Betting on the atom: The digital world requires electricity. Radio RBC. December 23, 2025. URL: https://www.rbc.ru/radio/23/12/2025/694a6d079a7947766d5da148 (In Russ.).
12. Matveeva O.The digital is missing an atom. Kommersant. December 22, 2025. URL: https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/8312194 (In Russ.).
13. ZakharevskyA.V. Economic perspective on the IT energy challenges. Ekonomika vysokotekhnologichnykh proizvodstv = High-Tech Enterprises Economy. 2025;6(1):41-58. (In Russ.). DOI: 10.18334/evp.6.1.122703
Review
For citations:
Ponomareva Yu.B., Stepnov I.M., Frolov I.E. Convergence of the Future Development of Artificial Intelligence and Nuclear Energy until 2050. The world of new economy. 2026;20(2):6-21. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.26794/2220-6469-2026-20-2-6-21
JATS XML




























