The World Economic Forum flags advanced nuclear technologies, especially small modular reactors (SMRs), as a top emerging technology with rising global momentum. The driver is simple: AI data centers need power, and renewables alone cannot provide the 24/7 baseload they require.
The Power Problem
A single modern AI training cluster consumes 50-100 MW. A hyperscale AI data center campus can consume 500 MW to 1 GW. For context, that is enough to power a small city.
Current power sources for data centers:
| Source | 24/7 Baseload | Carbon-Free | Scalable | Compact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural gas | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Solar | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Wind | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Hydro | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Nuclear SMR | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Nuclear is the only carbon-free source that provides reliable 24/7 baseload power in a compact footprint.
What Are SMRs
Small modular reactors produce up to 300 MW each (compared to 1,000+ MW for conventional reactors). Key advantages:
- Factory-built: Manufactured in factories and shipped to site, reducing construction time and cost
- Modular: Add units as demand grows
- Passive safety: Designs that shut down safely without human intervention or external power
- Smaller footprint: Can be sited near data centers
- Faster deployment: 3-5 years vs 10-15 years for conventional plants
The AI Data Center Connection
Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Oracle have all announced nuclear power agreements for data centers:
- Microsoft: Restarting Three Mile Island Unit 1 for AI data center power
- Google: Power purchase agreement with Kairos Power (molten salt SMR)
- Amazon: Agreements with Talen Energy for nuclear-powered data centers
- Oracle: Planning SMR-powered data center campus
SMR Designs in Development
| Company | Design | Type | Power | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NuScale | VOYGR | Light water | 77 MW each | NRC certified |
| Kairos Power | KP-FHR | Molten salt coolant | 140 MW | Building demo plant |
| TerraPower | Natrium | Sodium-cooled fast | 345 MW | Breaking ground |
| X-energy | Xe-100 | High-temp gas | 80 MW each | In development |
| Rolls-Royce | SMR | Light water | 470 MW | UK regulatory review |
Timeline
- 2026-2028: First SMR demonstration plants operational (NuScale, Kairos)
- 2028-2030: First commercial SMR deployments
- 2030-2035: SMRs become a standard option for data center power
My Recommendation
If you are planning data center infrastructure for AI workloads, factor nuclear power into your 5-10 year energy strategy. The power demands of AI are growing faster than renewable capacity can be built. SMRs fill the gap between where we are and where renewables need to be.
Book a consultation to plan your AI infrastructure power strategy.
