Swiss startup Deep Atomic AG has announced a compact small modular reactor (SMR), optimized for the needs of data centers. According to the company’s press service, the MK60 model is a pressurized light water reactor capable of generating 60 MW of electrical energy and up to 180 MW of thermal energy.
The MK60 provides stable and controllable energy supplies 24/7, regardless of weather conditions or instability in the main grid. This is a key benefit for data center operators. The modular design of the MK60 allows for the rapid installation of additional reactors, increasing capacity to 1 GW or more. Excess thermal energy from the reactor and data center can be used for heating buildings, agricultural needs, water desalination, etc.
Image source: Deep Atomic
Unlike many competitors who prefer to build larger SMRs, the MK60 is significantly more compact. The reactor with associated equipment requires only 80 m2, so it can serve remote and peripheral sites not connected to the main power grid. The small size also reduces capital costs, says Deep Atomic.
Image source: Deep Atomic
SMRs are attracting more and more attention from data center operators. AWS will invest in the construction of four X-energy SMRs. Google has entered into an agreement to purchase power from several Kairos Power SMRs. Equinix purchased a 500 MW PPA from Sam Altman-backed Oklo, and Prometheus Hyperscale (Wyoming Hyperscale) decided to purchase 100 MW from Oklo. And Oracle said it would power a gigawatt AI data center from small modular reactors.