The Potential Integration of Small Modular Reactors with Future Data Centres

The advancement of technology has led to the emergence of futuristic developments in data centres, including the potential integration of small nuclear reactors to cope with the increasing power requirements brought about by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

Chris Sharp, the chief technology officer at Digital Realty, a US company specializing in data centre construction, emphasizes the significant disparity between a typical data centre and one specifically designed for AI. While a standard data centre usually requires 32 megawatts of power, an AI data centre demands a staggering 80 megawatts due to the extensive processing capabilities needed by AI systems.

The sharp increase in power consumption posed by AI presents an imminent challenge of finding alternative power sources without straining the existing grid. Mr. Sharp has anticipated small modular reactors (SMRs) as a potential solution for future data centre power supplies. SMRs are advanced nuclear reactor designs capable of producing approximately a third of the power generated by traditional large-scale nuclear plants.

Dr. Michael Bluck, from the Centre for Nuclear Engineering at Imperial College London, emphasizes the growing power demands of data centres, particularly those focused on AI applications. He also points out that regulatory clearance plays a crucial role in implementing SMRs for data centre power supply.

The growing interest in this technology is evident, with the US company NuScale already receiving approval for its SMR design, while UK-based firms such as Rolls-Royce and Holtec International are undergoing review by the Office for Nuclear Regulation. The feasibility of SMRs is supported by strong cases from the nuclear submarine sector, as the technology has proven to be safe and effective in close proximity to human habitation.

Despite the increasing interest in SMR integration, opposition from organizations such as Greenpeace highlights concerns over high cost estimates, safety, and the management of radioactive waste. While proponents like Oklo, a company focusing on SMR development, are confident in the capability of these reactors, they acknowledge apprehension within the data centre industry regarding implementation in the UK.

However, Oklo’s proposed solution is a promising one, as they aim to launch SMRs that can be rapidly and safely deployed for data centre use. Their innovative approach to recycling fuel and creating a self-regulating and self-cooling nuclear reactor illustrates a determined effort to ease data centre operators’ concerns about nuclear power generation.

As data centre operators grapple with the urgency to meet increasing power demands driven by AI technology, Oklo sees promising potential in a swift deployment of SMRs to address this critical issue. The anticipated seamless integration of SMRs with data centres could mark a significant advancement in the convergence of AI technology requiring vast power capacities.