Data centre operators are beginning to explore direct financing of uranium projects as artificial intelligence drives a rapid expansion of energy intensive infrastructure, according to NexGen Energy. The company said its chief executive described early discussions with major technology providers about long term supply arrangements and potential financing for the Rook I project in Saskatchewan. NexGen is advancing permitting and anticipates final government approval by mid year.

The surge in demand for reliable, large scale electricity from AI workloads is increasing interest in nuclear power as a stable, low carbon source. Executives compared the shift to the electric vehicle sector, where manufacturers invested in mining to secure battery materials, and suggested technology firms may adopt analogous strategies to underpin heavy investment in compute. Such moves are seen as a way to de risk future energy supply.

NexGen said it expects to finalise a funding package in the second quarter after securing a key permit, and that if approvals proceed the Rook I project could begin production around 2030. The company indicated any commercial arrangements with data centre operators would be focused on financing or long term supply agreements and would not entail a change in corporate control. Specific partners were not disclosed as discussions are at an early stage.

Uranium prices have traded near Rs88 per pound after briefly topping Rs100 earlier this year, reflecting renewed global interest as countries including China and India expand low carbon generation to meet rising electricity needs. The prospect of direct backing from large technology customers highlights how the AI boom is beginning to influence commodity markets and long term energy planning. Industry participants say securing dependable, low carbon power could become as strategic as securing semiconductor supply, potentially opening new funding channels for uranium developers and accelerating nuclear investment.