this post was submitted on 04 Oct 2024
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Futurology
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I find it odd that Microsoft thinks that nuclear power is the cheapest way it can zero carbon its data centers
Wind and solar have been so much cheaper for so long now
Tech companies do something sane? Never.
Honestly I expect half the reason is the headlines
I expect it's an exec with non mainstream opinions on power generation
Fast computers are very expensive to the point where it makes sense to pay more for power to keep them running 24/7 instead of shutting them off every night when the sun sets.
Wind is always blowing
That's literally impossible by geometry if you mean everywhere.
Even in practice in one location, it varies enough to make it a problem if you need a steady supply. Sometimes is blows a little or barely at all, sometimes a lot, and occasionally so much you have to lock on the breaks and stop the thing to avoid damage.
I always upvote the hairy ball theorem.