Small modular reactors: building critical mass

Nuclear power is mounting a slow, gradual comeback in the global energy mix as the only form of dispatchable low-carbon generation of electricity — and the data center industry is playing a key role in the resurgence. In response to growing demand for data processing and storage, the sector’s need for more power appears insatiable, in great part due to hyperbolic expectations around generative AI. Yet, the industry is generally committed to lowering (or even eliminating) associated carbon emissions. Small modular reactors (SMRs) promise to help reconcile the conflict between these objectives, with data center operators serving as key early customers crucial to the success of fledgling SMR projects.

This is the first Uptime Intelligence report in a series on SMRs. Upcoming reports will offer detailed analysis of leading SMR designs and their respective outlook.