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SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son believes nuclear fusion could be a long-term answer to one of artificial intelligence’s biggest problems, mainly the power side. In his view, fusion would help supply the huge data centers that future AI systems will want, or something close to that.
Son also said that the more people lean into AI, the faster electricity consumption is likely to climb in the years ahead. It might feel like this challenge can be smoothed over soon using natural gas, but he argues that the better end game is nuclear fusion.
As corporations compete to advance AI systems and build more data centers, there will be greater demand for electrical power. Son mentioned that the world will need to add about 3 terawatts of data center capacity by 2040 to keep up with where future AI is headed.
Still, the usual energy sources might not be enough to address the full scope of the situation in the coming years.
According to Son, fusion, which is similar to what produces energy on the Sun, is the most promising source of energy for generating significant amounts of energy for AI data centers in the future.
The commercial application of fusion energy is not yet possible as experts in the field continue to work on overcoming various obstacles to its implementation. However, Son thinks fusion energy has the potential to change the economics of AI infrastructure in the long run.
The comments reinforce SoftBank’s aggressive AI strategy. The Japanese technology group has invested heavily across the AI ecosystem, backing companies such as Arm and OpenAI while expanding its presence in chips, robotics and data center infrastructure.
Son has repeatedly argued that AI will reshape industries on a scale comparable to, or even greater than, the internet revolution. He has also urged businesses to embrace AI rather than hesitate as competition intensifies.
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Not only computing power but also access to adequate quantities of energy is becoming an additional problem due to the AI revolution. Big tech firms have started considering a combination of natural gas, nuclear power, and alternative sources to meet their needs.
It is the endpoint for Son. Even though it is still in development, this energy source is seen as a means of advancing the next stage of AI without power constraints.
