AI firms, SMR developers partner to power hyperscale data centers

Three advanced reactor developers announced collaborations with national labs and data center companies to explore using small modular reactors (SMRs) to supply power for hyperscale AI data centers.

Oklo will work with the Idaho National Laboratory to apply artificial intelligence tools to reactor design. The project aims to speed engineering iterations and test AI-driven approaches to component and system design for Oklo’s advanced reactors.

Terrestrial Energy and Riot Platforms will run technical assessments to model how Terrestrial’s integral molten-salt reactor could operate alongside Riot’s data center designs. Riot plans to use its completed Basis of Design for large-scale hyperscale tenants to test scaled configurations at candidate sites.

NANO Nuclear Energy signed a memorandum of understanding with Super Micro to study optimized power architectures for next-generation AI server and rack designs. The MOU centers on matching reactor output to the power and cooling needs of dense compute facilities.

Companies and analysts point to rising electricity demand from AI training and inference as a key reason for the partnerships. Hyperscale AI facilities require continuous, high-capacity power. Partners are studying whether SMRs can provide steady, low-carbon baseload power sited near compute centers.

The projects will focus on matching reactor output with data center demand profiles, examining grid integration, and identifying candidate locations and operational arrangements. Each announcement emphasizes engineering studies, feasibility work and site assessments rather than construction plans.

Some investors highlight the Range Nuclear Renaissance Index ETF (NUKZ) as a single-ticker way to gain exposure to firms across the nuclear value chain, including advanced reactor developers, fuel suppliers, utilities and industrial service providers.

Small modular reactors are compact nuclear units designed to generate continuous power with smaller upfront capital than many traditional plants. Molten-salt reactors operate at low pressure and use liquid fuel or coolant, which developers say can offer safety and operational advantages. AI-assisted design tools automate simulation and optimization to shorten development timelines.

No construction schedules or final contracts were disclosed in the announcements. The agreements limit activities to feasibility, design integration and technical validation while companies and potential customers assess whether SMRs can meet the continuous, high-density power needs of future hyperscale AI facilities.