With data centres under increasing scrutiny for their power consumption and environmental impact, nuclear energy—specifically Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)—is emerging as a potential solution. SMRs, with capacities well-suited for large data centres, offer stable, low-carbon power that could help address the rising power demands driven by artificial intelligence (AI).
But are SMRs the answer to solving data centre power availability issues and providing data centres with low-carbon energy capable of supporting growing AI workloads? In this blog, Future-tech’s Head of Technical Due Diligence Mark Acton explores this question, the pros and cons of SMRs, and what needs to be considered for their successful implementation as data centre solutions.
Small Modular Reactors: A Low-Carbon Solution for Data Centre Power Demand?
Nuclear power for data centres, and to satisfy baseload grid demand alongside renewable energy sources, seems like an obvious choice in light of power supply constraints and negative media attention currently surrounding data centre sector power consumption.
The size and capacity of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), seems particularly suited to large data centres and data centre campus applications, as their capacity ranges from 20MWe (Megawatts of electricity) at the lower end of the scale, up to around 300MWe at the upper end. Designs from different manufacturers differ on this range and those at the lower end of the scale are often referred to as Micro Nuclear Reactors.
In principle, these units use tried, tested, and safe technologies based on nuclear submarine engines with considerable amounts of run hours, although updated designs and technologies are being considered by the likes of Rolls-Royce who already manufacture these engines.
Despite the promise of abundant stable power with very low CO2 output, there are clearly issues remaining. These include:
- Public and media concern over the use of nuclear power and the inevitable intervention of environmental pressure groups.
- A resolution of the ongoing debate about nuclear being truly ‘sustainable’.
- The hardened security required for nuclear installations.
- The extended testing and certification periods for new designs for new applications.
- Availability of suitable fuels (Some designs will require new fuel mixes).
- Disposal of waste.
Even with these issues resolved, there remains the need for a demonstration of clear commercial benefits to operators considering using nuclear options.
Last Energy is claiming to be able to produce units offering 20MWe of power at a cost of $100 million each, however, the fuelling cycle and operating lifetime will become key issues. Some are even claiming costs as low as $3,000 per kW with potentially more realistic numbers being in the order of $6,000 per kW. The true costs are yet to be established.
To conclude, will SMRs and nuclear power generally be used to satisfy data centre and general grid demand? Yes. When that will happen, and when will the issues noted above be resolved to allow adoption remains uncertain.
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Mark’s expert insight is part of Inside Networks Magazines’ ‘Question Time’ segment. To read more answers by industry leaders, check out the August 2024 Issue from page 17.
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