Small Modular Nuclear Reactors Suitability for Data Centers

Overview

The paper presents small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors as a potential low-carbon, weather-independent power source for data centres. It covers reactor families, fuel enrichment, cost structure, waste considerations, siting and deployment timelines, with examples of announced projects. Size classes are given: SMRs go up to about 300 MWe, and microreactors are below about 50 MWe. Conventional fuel contains under 5 percent U-235, while many advanced designs use 5 to 20 percent (HALEU). That difference matters for fuel supply and regulation.

For context, nuclear supplied about 18 percent of US electricity (772 TWh) and about 22 percent of EU electricity (609 TWh) in 2022. Example commitments include 20 MWe (60 MWth) units and 550 MWe by 2036. The paper positions SMRs as long-term options requiring stakeholder education and regulatory progress. For near-term design decisions it should be read not as a sizing basis but as an informational long-term option in site selection.

In a design tool this paper should play an informational role only. The site-selection module can include an onsite generation option as a long-lead placeholder pointing to 2030 and beyond, but no sizing defaults should be defined. This shows the user that the option exists without providing a false basis for near-term decisions.

Key points

1. SMRs up to about 300 MWe; microreactors below about 50 MWe
2. Conventional fuel below 5 percent U-235; many advanced designs 5-20 percent (HALEU)
3. Nuclear supplied about 18 percent of US (772 TWh) and about 22 percent of EU (609 TWh) electricity in 2022
4. Example commitments: 20 MWe (60 MWth) units; 550 MWe by 2036
5. Scope: reactor families, fuel, cost, waste, siting, timelines
6. Long-term option requiring stakeholder education and regulatory progress

Using it in design

• Add SMR to the site-selection module as an onsite-generation option, as a long-lead (2030+) placeholder
• Do not define sizing defaults
• Keep it informational only
• Do not rely on it in near-term energy plans

Who should read it

Decision makers evaluating long-term power supply strategy and site selection.

Related standards

• IAEA SSR-2/1
• 10 CFR 50/52

Publication details

Authors

Marcin Wegrzyn; Steven Carlini

Publisher

Schneider Electric

Year

2024

Document number

WP 186

Document language

English

Source type

Manufacturer

Access

Free to read

Licence

Copyright retained; citation only — the publisher’s terms apply to the original document

Citation