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As the global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud services surges, so does the pressure on data centers to meet their ever-growing energy needs. With concerns over the environmental impact of AI’s power consumption, a Swiss startup, Deep Atomic, has introduced a potential solution in the form of a small modular reactor (SMR)—the MK60. This compact nuclear reactor could be the key to meeting the energy demands of data centers while simultaneously addressing sustainability concerns.
The MK60 reactor is designed to provide 60 megawatts (MW) of electricity and an additional 60 MW of cooling capacity, making it a highly efficient energy source for data centers. According to Deep Atomic’s founder and CEO, William Theron, the MK60 aims to help data centers meet their ambitious sustainability goals by providing a reliable, zero-carbon energy solution. With AI, cryptocurrency mining, and cloud computing placing increasing pressure on data centers, the MK60 offers a way to reduce carbon footprints and lower operating costs by supplying both power and cooling on-site.
One of the standout features of the MK60 is its modular design, which offers scalability and flexibility. Unlike traditional large nuclear reactors that generate hundreds of megawatts, the MK60’s 60 MW design “hits a sweet spot” for data centers, according to Freddy Mondale, Deep Atomic’s head of engineering. It’s large enough to power significant infrastructure but small enough to be deployed in multiple units to meet growing demand. This scalability makes the MK60 an attractive option for data centers in areas with limited access to grid power.
The reactor’s safety features also allow it to be installed in close proximity to urban centers, reducing latency and providing faster service for edge data centers. The MK60 offers continuous, all-weather operations, ensuring that energy supply remains reliable even in areas with unstable grid access.
With energy needs for AI and cloud services continuing to skyrocket, several tech giants, including Google and Microsoft, are already turning to nuclear power to fuel their data centers. Deep Atomic’s MK60 aims to meet this demand with a more practical and scalable solution, offering a sustainable energy alternative that could become a key part of the next-generation data infrastructure.
As Deep Atomic prepares for full-scale deployment, the company’s approach—rooted in decades of nuclear technology—offers a safer, more efficient path to meeting the energy demands of the digital age. The MK60 could represent a pivotal moment in the race to provide sustainable, limitless energy for AI-driven innovation.
