Nuclear fusion is being touted as the key to powering superhuman artificial intelligence in the near future, according to the CEO of OpenAI, the organization behind ChatGPT. In a recent discussion with technologist Lex Fridman, Sam Altman emphasized the growing energy demands of advanced AI systems that are expected to surpass human intelligence levels.
Altman highlighted nuclear fusion as the most viable energy source to meet these escalating needs. By replicating the natural fusion processes occurring within the Sun, nuclear fusion has the potential to provide a nearly limitless supply of power required for next-generation artificial intelligence.
Despite ongoing challenges in achieving fusion power at a significant scale, Altman remains optimistic about the potential of this innovative technology. He firmly believes that a breakthrough in energy generation is essential to support the tremendous computational requirements of future AI developments.
Altman proposed that computing power would emerge as the most valuable asset in the coming years, with energy being a crucial component in this evolution. He acknowledged the complexity of building infrastructure, the supply chain, and chip production, but emphasized that addressing the energy aspect is particularly challenging.
To contribute to the advancement of nuclear fusion technology, Altman personally invested in Helion Energy, a US-based firm dedicated to commercializing fusion energy. Helion Energy aims to achieve electricity production at a commercial scale using cutting-edge technology by 2028. The company has secured a landmark purchase agreement with Microsoft for nuclear fusion energy, marking a significant step forward in the fusion energy sector.
Altman expressed his confidence in Helion Energy’s progress and welcomed the competition in the fusion space. As the race for fusion technology continues, Altman’s support for innovative energy solutions underscores the critical role of nuclear fusion in powering the future of artificial intelligence.
