How can the global energy grid keep pace with fast-growing demand from new data centres supporting artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing? Nuclear energy and coastal waters offer a potential answer.
The potential for floating nuclear-powered data centres is explored in depth in the latest industry-leading research from ABS and Herbert Engineering.
Also read: ABS publishes safety insights for ammonia as a marine fuel
SMRs on a barge
“Pathways to a Low Carbon Future Floating Nuclear Power Data Center” details design considerations for a floating data centre that would use large river estuaries or coastal waters as a heat sink for both servers and small modular reactors (SMRs) on board a purpose-built barge.
‘The intersection of new nuclear technologies and rapidly growing AI capabilities represents a generational opportunity to power humanity’s future. As demand for data centres increases, moving them offshore and powering them with onboard nuclear energy could mitigate certain risks and reduce the strain on local grids,’ explains Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO.
Also read: Floating nuclear power plants considered for Aegean Sea
Heat and energy management
The study provides ABS and the industry with important insight into heat and energy management for both servers and reactors, weight distribution, structural considerations, and other design features for floating nuclear power data centres. This will assist the identification of design issues that will inform future rules development.
The report builds upon previous ABS and Herbert Engineering research around marinised and offshore applications for nuclear energy, including “Pathways to a Low Carbon Future Floating Nuclear Power Plant” and “Pathways to a Low Carbon Future LNG Carrier Nuclear Ship Concept Design“.
ABS launched the industry’s first comprehensive rules for floating nuclear power plants in 2024. “ABS Requirements for Nuclear Power Systems for Marine and Offshore Applications” is available for download here.
Picture by ABS.
