Colocating new data centres with existing nuclear power plants can significantly reduce project costs and delays by eliminating the need for new transmission infrastructure and grid interconnection studies, according to a paper by the US Nuclear Energy Institute.

The paper, written by former Exelon and PJM Interconnection executive Michael Kormos, cites existing nuclear plants’ reliability, minuscule carbon footprint, high generation capacity and stable power output over 18- to 24-month refuelling cycles as advantages over other forms of behind-the-meter* generation.

According to Kormos, colocation can be a mutually beneficial arrangement where “the data center gets the carbon-free electricity it wants without lengthy delays… and the nuclear plant gets a steady customer, forestalling premature retirement and enabling [Nuclear Regulatory Commission] license extension and potential uprates”.