SMR-300 reactors could deliver 680 MW of carbon-free power to US data centers

Representative image of small modular reactors (SMRs).Getty Images A new US-South Korea partnership will assess advanced SMR-300 reactors, which could provide 680 megawatts (MW) of carbon-free electricity for AI data centers across the Gulf South. Florida’s Holtec International joined forces with Louisiana’s Entergy Services and Seoul’s Hyundai Engineering & Construction to sign a non-binding memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Tuesday, August 4. The companies will evaluate potential dual-unit SMR-300 projects. Under the agreement, the firms will assess customer demand, potential sites, and commercial models for deploying Holtec’s dual-unit SMR-300 reactors in the US Gulf South. The system is a 320-megawatt electrical (MWe) Generation III+ small modular reactor that uses pressurized water reactor (PWR) technology. “The objective is to identify commercially viable opportunities where advanced nuclear may be able to support economic growth while strengthening long-term grid reliability and energy security,” Holtec International representatives said. For growing power needs The small modular reactor generates about 1050 megawatts thermal (MWt) for process applications. It has a simplified design with passive safety systems and proven pressurized water reactor technology. The modular units are produced in factories before being assembled on site to reduce costs and construction time. The collaboration focuses on serving large-load customers, among which are AI data centers, manufacturing facilities, and other energy-intensive industries that require a constant supply of electricity. A standard dual-unit SMR-300 would generate 680 megawatts (MW) of carbon-free electricity. John Dinelli, Entergy VP and chief nuclear officer, Kris Singh, PhD, Holtec CEO, and Hanwoo Lee, Hyundai engineering and construction CEO, at the ceremony.Credit: Holtec International The SMR-300 uses conventional nuclear fuel together with fully passive safety systems designed to operate without active intervention during emergencies. Each reactor produces about 340 megawatts (MW) of electrical power. According to Holtec, the modular design is intended to provide utilities and industrial customers with a scalable source of firm, carbon-free electricity as demand continues to increase. Any future projects evaluated under the deal would leverage Holtec’s integrated engineering, procurement, and construction platform developed with Hyundai Engineering & Construction. “Holtec leads reactor technology, nuclear systems, manufacturing, and nuclear procurement, while HDEC leads balance-of-plant engineering, procurement, and construction.” Holtec said. Supporting grid demand The firms will also utilize knowledge gained from Holtec’s first SMR-300 project at the Palisades site in Michigan. The planned Pioneer 1 and Pioneer 2 units are set to serve as reference plants for future SMR-300 projects. Holtec emphasized that major reactor parts will be manufactured in the US at its Advanced Manufacturing Division. It moreover plans to expand its manufacturing capacity to support future reactor deployments. Meanwhile, Entergy operates one of the largest nuclear fleets in the US. The firm supplies electricity across much of the Gulf South, an area along the northern part of the Gulf of Mexico. It includes the US states of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, and Arkansas. The deal will examine whether advanced nuclear reactors could support Entergy’s long-term power plans and the region’s growth. While the MOA does not commit the parties to build any reactors, it represents another step in Holtec’s strategy to commercialize its SMR-300 technology through partnerships with utilities.“As electricity demand accelerates across the United States, the collaboration establishes a pathway for the parties to assess where advanced nuclear may be needed to support industrial growth, AI infrastructure, grid reliability, and long-term energy security,” Holtec concluded in a statement.Recommended ArticlesGet the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Based in Skopje, North Macedonia. Her work has appeared in Daily Mail, Mirror, Daily Star, Yahoo, NationalWorld, Newsweek, Press Gazette and others. She covers stories on batteries, wind energy, sustainable shipping and new discoveries. When she's not chasing the next big science story, she's traveling, exploring new cultures, or enjoying good food with even better wine.