Data Centers and Nuclear Energy in 2024

In 2024, the landscape of data center power sources is undergoing a significant transformation, with many tech companies turning to nuclear energy to meet their growing electricity demands. This shift is driven by the need for reliable, carbon-free power to support the ever-increasing energy consumption of data centers as that sector grows to support artificial intelligence (AI) along with the already considerable need for cloud and other advanced technologies.

Google & Kairos: Google has taken a bold step by signing a deal with nuclear startup Kairos Power to build seven small modular reactors (SMRs) to supply electricity to its data centers.  This agreement aims to add around 500 megawatts of carbon-free electricity by the end of the decade, if they can hold to their aggressive schedule and meet regulators’ standards.  These SMRs will use molten salts of lithium fluoride and beryllium fluoride for cooling, a departure from traditional water-cooled reactors.  This design approach is expected to lower costs and speed up construction, however the operations and maintenance may pose unforeseen challenges.

Amazon & X-Energy: Amazon is also making significant strides in nuclear power for data centers, with an agreement to develop SMRs with X-Energy.  This includes development with Energy Northwest in the state of Washington and Virginia with Dominion Energy, aiming to eventually bring more than 5 gigawatts of nuclear power online before 2040.  These projects will provide a substantial amount of clean energy, enough to power perhaps 50-100 of the typical AWS data centers.

Constellation Energy: Constellation Energy is aiming to restart a reactor at the Three Mile Island site, which was shut down in 2019.  This project is part of a broader strategy to secure reliable, emissions-free power for data centers that may be developed locally as well as across the greater grid.

Benefits of Nuclear Power for Data Centers

Nuclear power offers several advantages for data centers:

On Small Modular Reactors

Nuclear power is increasingly being considered as a viable energy source for buildings and campuses, thanks to the development of advanced nuclear microreactors and small modular reactors.  These reactors are smaller, more flexible, and can be integrated into existing energy systems with minimal disruption.  Generation III+ Small Modular Reactor (SMR) is a type of nuclear fission reactor designed to be more efficient, safer, and cost-effective than previous generations.

These reactors are part of the U.S. Department of Energy's efforts to support the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies to meet the growing demand for clean, reliable power.

Current research projects:

Companies at the forefront of advancing SMR technology:

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite the promising potential of nuclear power, there are challenges to overcome.  The technology is still in its early stages, with no commercial SMRs commissioned and operating yet. Additionally, public perception and regulatory hurdles remain significant obstacles.  However, with continued investment and innovation, nuclear power is likely to play a crucial role in powering the data centers of the future.

The adoption of nuclear power by tech giants like Google, Amazon, and others marks a significant shift towards sustainable and reliable energy sources for data centers.  As these projects progress, they will not only support the growth of AI and other technologies but also contribute to a cleaner, greener future.

www.techcrunch.com  

www.world-nuclear-news.org

www.powermag.com

www.ans.org

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