SMRs in Data Centre Production

Countries worldwide are accelerating efforts to transition towards low-carbon energy systems. Recent geopolitical disruptions in global energy markets have reinforced the importance of energy security and diversified power generation. Low-carbon energy systems are currently complementary to the traditional power grid. Should we move entirely to green energy, can these technologies provide the amount of energy required for modern applications? Can a data centre run purely off a green system providing 24/7 baseload power? The main drivers of green energy, solar and wind, are inherently intermittent. Biomass is not considered a major scalable power source for hyperscale infrastructure and hydro really depends if there’s a suitable dam nearby. One possible technology to address the power issue are Small Module Reactors (SMR), advanced nuclear reactors with a power capacity typically up to 50 - 300 MW electric, roughly one-third of traditional reactors. Small in size, they are prefabricated in factories and transported to their installation site. SMRs offer potentially lower capital risk through modular construction and phased deployment, enhanced safety through passive systems, and flexible application for electricity, district heating, and industrial process heat. Since these SMRs provide firm, dispatchable low-carbon power, SMRs are useful in stable power grids and ensuring consistent supply during periods of low renewable generation. Their application applies to supporting other energy-intensive industries such as hydrogen production and advanced manufacturing. There are already data centres considering ‘going nuclear’. Just in the U.S. alone, Microsoft has signed agreement with Constellation Energy to restart the Three Mile Island reactor to supply clean power to data centres. Amazon AWS is investing in nuclear-powered data centre campuses. Google is exploring advanced nuclear power partnerships. However, the role of SMRs in the green energy transition remains a topic of debate. While they produce minimal carbon emissions during operation, concerns remain about cost, nuclear waste management, and regulatory approvals. Nevertheless, if these challenges are addressed, SMRs could become a valuable complement to renewable energy in building resilient and low-carbon power systems.