The Uzbekistani Atomic Energy Agency (Uzatom) has partnered with the Japanese conglomerate Muroosystems Corporation for what could be the first small modular reactor (SMR) powered data center.
The planned data center would have a capacity of 50MW and be located in the Jizzakh region in central Uzbekistan. It is expected that the data center will be powered by a Russian-made 55MWe RITM-200N low-power reactor. The data center would be powered via a direct line, with the SMR acting as its primary power option. First concrete for the first SMR unit slated for the site is scheduled to be poured in March, with the reactor expected to start delivering power in 2029.
Azim I. Akhmedkhadjaev, director of Uzatom, said: “A key feature of this initiative is the integration of nuclear energy with digital infrastructure: the data center will be powered exclusively by SMR-generated electricity, making it the first project of its kind worldwide and setting a new standard for energy-intensive IT facilities.
“The project opens new opportunities for developing sustainable digital solutions, enhancing energy supply reliability, and introducing innovative models for using nuclear power. Its implementation demonstrates the potential of SMRs as an efficient and stable energy source for high-load technological facilities.”
Muroosystems, through its German nuclear subsidiary Nukem Technologies, will provide technical consulting, nuclear safety assessments, and engineering services on the project. The company will also manage the spent fuel generated by the reactor. Muroosystems acquired Nukem in 2024.
Data center companies have increasingly turned to the SMR sector as a possible panacea for their future power needs. Over the past two years, we have seen a flurry of deals, with AWS, Meta, and Google all investing in SMR companies. Smaller colocation providers have also gotten in on the act, bookmarked by Equinix’s deal last year with three advanced nuclear developers in August of last year.