Winter 2026 by J. Cliff McKinney |
Over the past two years, I have become increasingly fascinated by artificial intelligence and its inevitable role in every corner of our economy, including the real estate industry. A close look at artificial intelligence quickly reveals that one of its most significant challenges is energy consumption. Data centers powering AI may consume up to 12% of total U.S. electricity by 2028. Some estimates suggest that power demand for AI data centers could grow from 4 gigawatts in 2024 to 123 gigawatts by 2035, representing a thirtyfold increase.
So where will this power come from? Some will come from traditional fossil fuel power plants and additional renewable plants, such as solar and wind farms. However, the reality is that these will not be enough to meet AI’s needs. Utilities and developers are turning to small modular nuclear reactors (“SMRs”) for reliable, clean power. SMR projects will require knowledgeable developers to bring them to reality.
The above is an excerpt from an article published in the Winter 2026 edition of USLAW Magazine. You may click the link below to read the full article.
A managing member of Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull PLLC, Cliff McKinney speaks nationwide on the rapidly evolving role of AI in law practice, covering cutting-edge tools, prompt engineering, ethical obligations, risk management, and actionable strategies lawyers can implement immediately. He has presented for organizations including the American Bar Association (ABA) and the American College of Mortgage Attorneys (ACMA), and has written extensively on AI for ACMA, USLAW, and the Arkansas Law Review. Mr. McKinney holds a Prompt Engineering Specialization certification from Vanderbilt University and is a Fellow of both the American College of Real Estate Lawyers and the American College of Mortgage Attorneys.