Global Energy Demand: Data centers could reach 10% of worldwide energy use by 2030.
Intermittent Renewables: Traditional renewables can’t always meet constant energy demands.
Compact and Scalable: SMRs like the MK60 provide on-site, weather-independent power with lower capital investment and faster deployment.
As data centers expand globally, their power demands are skyrocketing, posing significant environmental and operational challenges. In response, Deep Atomic, a nuclear energy startup, has introduced the MK60, a small modular reactor (SMR) tailored to meet the unique needs of data centers by offering consistent, zero-carbon energy and integrated cooling capabilities.
Data centers, which support everything from cloud services to AI and cryptocurrency, are projected to reach up to 10% of global energy demand by 2030. Traditional power solutions, including renewables and large power grids, struggle to keep up with the sector’s relentless growth. While renewable energy sources provide clean power, their intermittent nature and dependence on weather conditions can make them unreliable for data centers, which require a steady energy supply.
According to Schneider Electric, SMRs offer a “sustainable alternative” by providing weather-independent power. Manufactured in controlled environments, SMRs like the MK60 are designed for scalable, modular deployment, making them flexible solutions for data centers that need a reliable power source in both remote and urban settings. This modularity also means lower upfront capital costs compared to traditional nuclear reactors, enabling operators to scale their infrastructure efficiently as demand increases.
The MK60 provides 60 megawatts (MW) of clean power and an additional 60 MW for cooling, essential for reducing the immense heat generated by data centers. By integrating power generation and cooling into a single system, Deep Atomic’s SMR design allows data centers to cut operational costs and environmental impacts. With this combined approach, data center operators can expand into new regions without overwhelming local power grids.
Freddy Mondale, Deep Atomic’s Head of Engineering, explains that the MK60’s design “hits a sweet spot” by balancing energy output with scalability, making it a more feasible option than larger reactors. Unlike traditional power setups, which can strain the grid, SMRs like the MK60 are designed to operate independently of grid constraints, giving data centers a dependable power source without requiring expensive grid upgrades.
While SMRs are attracting interest from data center operators and technology giants alike, some challenges remain. Industry leaders emphasize the need for standardized regulatory frameworks to streamline SMR deployment across regions. As SMRs are a newer technology, there is a critical need for thorough testing and regulatory compliance before widespread adoption can occur.
Still, the advantages of SMRs in energy resiliency and sustainability make them a promising path forward. “The technology’s safety claims and reliability have data center operators intrigued,” notes a recent white paper, highlighting that as regulations and manufacturing processes advance, SMRs could play a crucial role in sustainable energy strategies for data centers.
By combining innovative nuclear technology with a focus on data centers, Deep Atomic’s MK60 aims to redefine sustainable energy solutions for the digital age. With an experienced team from the nuclear, tech, and engineering sectors, the startup is well-positioned to bring SMRs into mainstream use, allowing data centers to grow sustainably without compromising on performance or environmental responsibility.