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Data Center World 2025

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Nuclear Technologies for Tomorrow's Data Centers

Brian Smith  (Director, Nuclear Reactor Development, Idaho National Laboratory)

Alison Hahn  (Advanced Reactor Director, Department of Energy)

Patrick White  (Research Director, Nuclear Innovation Alliance)

Derek Gaston  (Chief Computational Scientist, Idaho National Laboratory)

Florie Knauf  (Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Reactors, Department of Energy)

Mark Gusakov  (CCO, International Data Center Authority)

Brian Jabeck  (VP, Business Development, Bennett & Pless, Inc.)

Daniel Klein  (Principal Team Lead for Nuclear Beyond Electricity, ERPI Advanced Nuclear Technology)

Jon Greives  (Division of Advanced Reactors and Non-power Production and Utilization Facilities (DANU) Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Committee)

Location: Room 207A

Date: Monday, April 14

Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Pass Type: AFCOM Solution Provider, All Access Conference, Industry Conference - Get your pass now!

Track: Data Center BUILD

Session Type: Workshop

Vault Recording: TBD

Audience Level: All Audiences

Nuclear power provides almost 20% of the nation’s energy, and nearly half of the nation’s clean energy. The current fleet of 94 reactors in the United States complements a diverse array of power generating technologies in the United States, but surpasses all others in terms of capacity and reliability. Intense interest in advanced nuclear reactors is underpinned by increases in projected domestic power demands by upwards of 30% in the next decade, with much of that growth driven by artificial intelligence (AI). As the energy landscape shifts, advanced nuclear technologies, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and microreactors, are gaining traction as a sustainable and reliable power solution for data centers. This workshop will explore the evolution of nuclear systems, from early reactors to new advanced technologies, and their integration into the energy grid.

With leading hyperscale operators already adopting nuclear power, the data center industry is poised for significant change. This half day interactive program delves into the practicalities of nuclear systems in tomorrow’s data centers, focusing on site selection, permitting, and deployment strategies. Attendees will gain insights into working with utilities, navigating government policies, and understanding the range of advanced nuclear technologies.

The workshop will also address challenges, including physical security, front- and back-end nuclear fuel management, the regulatory landscape, and community engagement. Through case studies and expert guidance, attendees will discuss opportunities for the data center industry to leverage advanced nuclear technologies and chart a course for a sustainable, energy-resilient future.

Takeaway

· Explore the evolution of nuclear technologies from Gen 1 to Gen 4 and their role in modern energy grids.

· Understand how current and emerging nuclear technologies are poised to power future data centers.

· Learn key steps for integrating nuclear power, including permitting, site selection, and utility collaboration.

· Address critical challenges such as security, nuclear fuel management, regulations, and community engagement.

· Discover practical applications of nuclear technologies with expert insights and real-world case studies.