The Clean Energy Fix Engineers Are Taking Seriously Again

June 3, 2026

A new IEEE Power and Energy Society member poll found 80% of respondents say supporting small modular nuclear energy is important to achieving clean energy goals, while 58% say meeting data center demand will be the most significant challenge of the next decade.

The findings point to renewed confidence among power engineers in nuclear energy, particularly small modular reactors, as a way to meet rising electricity demand without increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

But the survey also uncovered broader opinions about the role of AI. About two-thirds of respondents have a positive view of the role of AI in energy over the next 25 years, while less than half believe AI will have a positive impact on meeting carbon and clean energy targets.

IEEE Life Fellow Francisco de Leon agrees that nuclear power will be central to that challenge. In this Q&A, he explains why meeting rising demand will require more than software.

Why are power engineers so bullish on nuclear energy again?

Because nuclear is the only human-made large bulk power generation technology that produces no greenhouse gases and is economic and reliable.

Why are small modular reactors so important?

Small modular reactors can be installed everywhere. They can meet the large energy demands of data centers. Modular reactors can be installed by the owners of the data centers right at location and become self-sufficient.

Where can AI make the electric grid better in ways ordinary people would notice?

It can’t, in my view. At least not now. I don’t see how AI will construct new power plants or transmission lines. AI can make transmission and distribution somehow better by making them more efficient and improving use of assets. But what we need is to construct more power plants. The system is already very efficient but some assets, like transmission lines for example, are not utilized fully.

Are clean energy goals now mostly a technology problem, an infrastructure problem or a policy problem?

In my view it is mostly an infrastructure problem. For many years the demand for electricity did not increase much and not many plants were constructed. We even decommissioned some nuclear power plants. Now, the demand is starting to increase rapidly. In my view we need to invest in all kinds of electricity generation resources.Learn more: IEEE is committed to using its expertise and resources to foster technology for a sustainable climate. To learn more about our efforts, including educational resources, check out IEEE Technology for a Sustainable Climate.