Small modular reactors gain momentum driven by AI data center demand

The demand for low-carbon, reliable power to support artificial intelligence data centers is driving a shift toward small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors. Large technology companies, known as hyperscalers, are increasingly underwriting new nuclear projects through three-party models involving developers and utilities. This approach allows utilities to integrate power without bearing the full financial risk of first-of-a-kind reactors, while large customers provide the necessary demand to enable standardized design and cost reductions.

Recent industry activity includes agreements from Google, Amazon, and Microsoft to secure nuclear capacity. For instance, Kairos Power has an agreement with Google targeting up to 500 MW by 2035.

In response to these industry shifts, NuScale Power has begun implementing AI tools from Nuclearn and NPX to optimize its own internal workflows. These tools are designed to handle nuclear engineering terminology and regulatory compliance frameworks from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). NuScale reports that the system has reduced time spent searching for and verifying critical information by up to 80%, potentially accelerating design modifications and regulatory response times.