Dispelling Myths: Nuclear Power in Data Centers

As data center industry seeks alternate power sources, including nuclear power, we address a few myths about Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

This is the first of a two-part series focused on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). In this post, we address some of the myths associated with SMRs. In the second post, coming soon, we will examine some of the benefits of SMRs and their potential in the data center industry.

Summary

• Increasing pressures on the data center industry - including power reliability and sustainability - are fueling interest in nuclear power, notably SMRs.
• Nuclear power has gained acceptance in recent years as a clean solution to overcome rising pollution and climate change while also appealing to those who see it as a means to fuel industrialization and economic growth.
• Despite its growing acceptance, myths about nuclear power and SMRs continue to persist.

Escalating power demands, reliability concerns, and sustainability targets are priority issues for the data center industry. To address these challenges, nuclear energy via SMRs has emerged as a potential energy source. According to Data Center Knowledge, SMR vendors are expected to launch commercially available solutions in the late 2020s or early 2030s.

The need for alternative energy sources in the industry is clear. According to a recent study by the Electric Power Research Institute, data centers consume up to 9% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030-more than double the amount currently used. With about one-third of the world's 8,000-plus data centers located in the United States, electricity demand for these facilities is expected to grow by about 10% a year by 2030 from 2022 to 35GW, as reported by McKinsey.

What is a Small Modular Reactor (SMR)?

A SMR is a type of nuclear fission reactor with a power output of less than 300MW that offers several advantages over traditional large-scale nuclear power plants. Key characteristics include:

1. Small size: SMRs are physically smaller, typically about one-tenth to one-quarter the size of traditional large-scale reactors.
2. Modular design: SMRs are designed to be constructed in modules from 15MW to 300MW. Modularity streamlines construction and reduces costs. They are manufactured at an off-site location and transported to their final locations.
3. Emissions-Free Electricity: SMRs use the same nuclear fission technology as larger reactors. Each SMR power module can generate about 50MW of emissions-free electricity. These modules can be combined into a single plant, providing output flexibility.

Despite the promise of SMRs, a few myths prevail that merit addressing.

Myth 1: Safety Concerns

Public perception of nuclear power remains contentious. Concerns are generally about safety, waste management and disposal, and the potential for accidents. However, it's crucial to recognize that nuclear technologies have advanced significantly in recent years.

SMRs are considered safer than traditional large-scale reactors for several reasons.

• Their smaller size means they produce less heat, reducing the risk of overheating.
• SMRs are designed with advanced safety features that allow them to be safely turned off and restarted, unlike conventional reactors.
• They are less vulnerable to external threats such as earthquakes and meltdowns.
• SMRs require fewer operators and safety officers, and their simpler designs minimize the chances of mechanical failures.
• The small size of SMRs reduces the impact of potential incidents.

Myth 2: Nuclear Power Is Bad for the Environment

A pervasive myth about nuclear power is that it is harmful to the environment, typically driven by concerns over the disposal and storage of nuclear waste. This perception is often based on decades-old challenges. Today, advanced technologies and stringent regulations have led to more efficient use of fuel and the reduction of waste volume.

It's crucial to consider the broader environmental picture. Nuclear power is a low-carbon energy source, producing virtually no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. As we grapple with the urgent need to mitigate climate change, the role of nuclear power in our energy mix cannot be underestimated.

For many environment-responsible data centers looking to reduce their carbon footprint, nuclear power offers a path to significantly reduce emissions while meeting high energy demands. A single SMR could potentially power a large-scale data center facility with clean energy, dramatically reducing its environmental impact.

Myth 3: Waste Disposal is a Problem

Nuclear waste disposal is often cited as a drawback. Research from Argonne and Idaho National Laboratories suggests that managing waste from SMRs is roughly comparable to traditional light water reactors. They found no major additional challenges in handling SMR waste. Conversely, a study led by Stanford University and the University of British Columbia says SMRs will generate more radioactive waste than conventional nuclear power plants.

For perspective on waste volume, about 2,000 metric tons of nuclear waste per year is generated in the United States, which is the equivalent of less than half the volume of an Olympic-sized swimming pool, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The agency adds that most of the nation's spent fuel is safely and securely stored at more than 70 reactor sites across the country.

According to a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), significant progress has been made globally in the safe and effective management of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel. This includes the development of deep geological repositories and other advanced waste management strategies.

Navigating the Transition to Nuclear Powered Data Centers

With more emphasis on sustainability and evolving regulation and compliance requirements designed to help protect the environment and address climate change, it seems inevitable that the data center industry will need to consider nuclear energy. But paving the way for a nuclear power future will require addressing public perceptions with transparent communication, education and risk mitigation strategies. Here's how:

1. Educate stakeholders - power producers, policymakers, and industries relying on an increase in the supply of sustainable energy - about SMRs' safety features, waste management, and environmental benefits resources. Highlight ongoing research and advancements.
2. Engage with nuclear experts, regulatory bodies, environmental organizations, and local communities to transparently address the concerns and challenges. Collaboration fosters understanding and builds trust.
3. Develop robust contingency plans to mitigate risks, focusing on safety protocols, manage and reduce waste and prepare for emergency response.

Coming Soon: The Future of Data Centers: Embracing Nuclear Power and Small Modular Reactors

In our next post, we'll dive deeper into the potential benefits of adoption of SMRs in the data center industry. We'll explore how this technology could reshape our approach to power management, sustainability, and scalability.

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