New nuclear plan could deliver up to 6 GW of power to data centers by 2040

US-based nuclear technology company NANO Nuclear Energy has signed a non-binding commercial framework with Tillman Global Holdings to explore deploying advanced nuclear reactors across large AI data-center developments in the US. The companies are targeting at least 2 gigawatts of advanced nuclear capacity by the mid-2030s and 6 GW or more by 2040. The plans remain subject to definitive agreements, customer commitments, financing, regulatory approvals and other project requirements. The framework identifies NANO Nuclear as Tillman’s anticipated preferred nuclear technology provider for its planned AI industrial zones. Tillman is developing a multi-state pipeline of sites designed around the large power requirements of hyperscale and AI customers. The companies plan to evaluate potential sites, licensing requirements, customer demand, and project financing as individual developments move forward. The broader strategy is to reserve space for nuclear generation alongside other power sources as data-center campuses expand. Nuclear enters the data-center mix NANO Nuclear’s KRONOS MMR Energy System is a 15-megawatt high-temperature gas-cooled reactor designed for modular and phased deployment. The companies say that architecture could allow nuclear capacity to be added in stages as electricity demand grows across large data-center campuses. The arrangement pairs Tillman’s experience in developing and financing large digital and energy infrastructure with NANO Nuclear’s reactor technology and nuclear licensing capabilities. The proposed model could also allow Tillman or its affiliates to own and finance qualifying power projects while NANO Nuclear supplies reactors and fuel and supports development and operations. “Power availability is becoming one of the defining constraints on the continued expansion of AI infrastructure, and addressing this challenge will require both near-term execution and long-term planning,” said James Walker, Chief Executive Officer of NANO Nuclear Energy. “This framework represents a milestone in our future customer acquisition strategy, as Tillman brings deep infrastructure-development capabilities, access to capital and relationships across the technology ecosystem, together with a power-first approach to developing the next generation of AI campuses.” The need for dedicated power infrastructure is growing as AI workloads push data centers toward increasingly large electricity requirements. Nuclear generation could provide steady power for campuses that need to operate continuously, while reducing reliance on a single source of grid electricity. Gigawatts planned for AI The proposed deployment pathway would start with 2 GW or more of advanced nuclear capacity by the mid-2030s before expanding to at least 6 GW by 2040. The companies are also evaluating potential projects in selected international markets where Tillman has digital infrastructure interests. The framework contemplates a milestone-based equity arrangement as well. Tillman could receive warrants to purchase up to $100 million of NANO Nuclear stock, with most of the warrants tied to future reactor purchase commitments and project-development milestones. It also includes a proposed $5 million initial restricted stock grant to Tillman, with most of that grant subject to additional milestones. The terms remain subject to definitive agreements. Tillman Co-President Sachit Ahuja said the company is planning for the long-term electricity requirements of its AI campuses. “Meeting the extraordinary power requirements of next-generation AI infrastructure requires us to plan not only for what our campuses need today, but for the resilient, scalable power architecture they will require for decades to come,” said Sachit Ahuja, Co-President of Tillman Global Holdings. The companies now need to move from the commercial framework to site-specific development, licensing and financing agreements before any reactors can be deployed. Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.With over a decade-long career in journalism, Neetika Walter has worked with The Economic Times, ANI, and Hindustan Times, covering politics, business, technology, and the clean energy sector. Passionate about contemporary culture, books, poetry, and storytelling, she brings depth and insight to her writing. When she isn’t chasing stories, she’s likely lost in a book or enjoying the company of her dogs.