Israel needs nuclear energy to be ready for the AI era - opinion

In the Israeli and global energy markets, there is a gap between the exponential growth of AI, which leads to a drastic increase in electricity demand for data centers, and the slow, linear development of energy infrastructure.

This is a long process that will take at least a decade, which is why there is an urgent need to start today.

Solar and wind energy depend on weather conditions and cannot provide the critical stability required by AI data centers, as any supply disruption causes enormous economic damage. Existing energy storage technologies are still far from enabling backup at the required scale and power to ensure stable energy supply. Significant gas imports are not a practical solution due to the risk to energy independence, the importance of which was highlighted in the recent war.

The understanding that nuclear energy is an efficient answer to the growing need for clean, stable electricity for data centers is evident in massive investments across the globe by governments as well as tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon.

The "Nuclear Renaissance" is not skipping the Middle East, which is becoming a central arena in the global power competition between the US and China for economic-technological hegemony.

As part of the Trump administration's geopolitical agenda, the US is promoting civilian nuclear cooperation with its regional allies, led by Saudi Arabia, to curb Chinese and Russian influence. Meanwhile, Israel is being left behind.

The necessary conclusion is that a stable power supply requires integrating nuclear energy into Israel's energy mix. This understanding is also permeating the political level. Israel’s Energy Minister Eli Cohen recently spoke publicly about Israel's strategic need to promote nuclear energy, emphasizing that to ensure energy security and lower costs in the long run, Israel must act to establish a nuclear power plant.

Nuclear energy in Israel is a complex issue because the country is not a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). However, the current geopolitical climate offers a rare window of opportunity.

With American backing, within the framework of the technological alliance promoted by "Mind Israel," NPT-bypass frameworks can be explored, including a specialized agreement similar to the US-India civil nuclear deal, or a "black box" model involving the allocation of territory for an American-built and operated reactor that sells energy to Israel. Another possibility involves regional cooperation through a partnership with a third country such as Cyprus.

Furthermore, this initiative should encompass investment in breakthrough technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), nuclear fusion, green hydrogen, and geothermal energy.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in close contact with US President Donald Trump. Alongside dealing with burning political and security issues, Netanyahu should raise an initiative to promote an Israeli nuclear program.

This is a golden opportunity for Israel, given President Trump's unique approach, his lack of commitment to old norms, and the fact that he is promoting nuclear energy within the US Promoting the establishment of civilian nuclear reactors in Israel will serve the administration's strategy to establish US technological dominance over China and Russia, while making Israel a showcase for advanced Western nuclear technology in the Middle East.

Such a move would also yield direct economic profit for the US through the export of reactors and equipment, creating jobs in American industry – in line with the "America First" agenda.

For Israel to meet the growing demand for electricity in the coming decades and maintain energy independence, it must move forward with a civilian nuclear program today. Israel cannot afford to miss the historic window of opportunity provided by the Trump administration. It is imperative that the civilian nuclear program be front and center in upcoming talks between the leaders..