In the swirling vortex of the AI arms race, a peculiar development has emerged. Amidst the frantic scramble to develop ever more sophisticated models, a common refrain echoes from the titans of tech: they want to go nuclear. Yes, the very same Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, and Google that dominate our digital lives are now making bold moves into the realm of nuclear energy.

The prospect of establishing a sustained human presence on the Moon has ignited a surge of innovative proposals for infrastructure development. Among these, the deployment of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) on the lunar surface has emerged as a compelling option for providing reliable and abundant power. SMRs, characterized by their smaller size, modular design, and potential for factory fabrication, offer unique advantages in the challenging lunar environment. However, alongside these benefits, significant challenges and potential drawbacks must be carefully considered. This essay will delve into the pros and cons of building SMRs on the Moon, examining the technical, logistical, and ethical implications of this ambitious undertaking.