Rolls-Royce to Use Nuclear Power for AI Data Centres with Small Modular Reactors.

Rolls-Royce is using nuclear power for AI data centers through Small Modular Reactors, which generate up to 300 megawatts of electricity. The company aims to address the growing energy consumption of AI data centers, which currently rely on fossil fuels for 56% of its power. Rolls-Royce has signed agreements to develop three SMRs in the UK and six in the Czech Republic, with the world requiring 400 SMRs by 2050. Each SMR will generate enough energy to power one million homes for 60 years with no carbon emissions. The SMR fleet could contribute up to £54bn to the UK economy between 2025 and 2105 and create 40,000 regional UK jobs by 2050.

Rolls-Royce is making significant strides in addressing the growing energy demands of AI data centers by leveraging Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) powered by nuclear energy. The company has signed agreements to develop three SMRs in the UK and six in the Czech Republic, aiming to meet the escalating energy consumption of AI data centers, which currently rely on fossil fuels for 56% of their power [2].

The SMRs, capable of generating up to 300 megawatts of electricity, are designed to address the high energy demands of AI data centers. Each SMR can power one million homes for 60 years with no carbon emissions, significantly reducing the environmental impact of data center operations [2].

The economic benefits of Rolls-Royce's SMR initiative are substantial. The SMR fleet could contribute up to £54 billion to the UK economy between 2025 and 2050 and create 40,000 regional UK jobs by 2050 [2]. This investment not only supports the UK's economic growth but also positions it as a leader in clean energy technology.

Rolls-Royce's initiative is part of a broader trend in the tech industry to adopt nuclear power for data centers. Google, for instance, has partnered with Kairos Power to develop nuclear reactors to support its data centers, with the first reactor expected to be operational in 2030 [1]. Similarly, Microsoft has signed a power purchase agreement with Constellation Energy to use nuclear power for its data center operations [1].

The use of SMRs offers several advantages over traditional nuclear reactors. SMRs can be built near data centers or tech campuses, providing localized and dedicated power. They are also faster and cheaper to deploy, addressing the long lead times of traditional nuclear reactors [1]. This makes SMRs an attractive option for tech companies looking to meet their energy demands responsibly.

As AI continues to grow, the demand for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly data centers will only increase. Rolls-Royce's SMR initiative is a significant step towards meeting this demand. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and embracing nuclear power, Rolls-Royce is not only addressing the immediate energy needs of AI data centers but also paving the way for a more sustainable future.

References:
[1] https://www.rcrwireless.com/20250819/ai-infrastructure/google-nuclear
[2] https://www.itpro.com/infrastructure/data-centres/google-just-confirmed-the-location-of-its-first-small-modular-reactor