U.S. vs. China in the AI Race: Energy Infrastructure Takes Center Stage

The AI race between the U.S. and China is increasingly framed as a battle for energy dominance rather than pure technological prowess. Adam Livingston, author of *The Bitcoin Age*, argues China has already pulled ahead by securing nuclear power capacity—the critical resource for AI data centers. China currently has 30 reactors under construction, targeting 200 gigawatts by 2040, while the U.S. struggles to advance new large-scale nuclear projects beyond the delayed Vogtle reactors.

Nuclear energy’s role in AI infrastructure is undeniable. Data centers now contribute over 1% of U.S. GDP, yet America’s stagnant nuclear development contrasts sharply with China’s aggressive expansion. The narrative isn’t purely binary: recent U.S. policy shifts signal renewed interest in nuclear, but the scale gap remains stark. Energy sovereignty may prove decisive in determining which nation powers the next generation of AI innovation.