A waterless AI data center? A big experiment is under way in rural Utah
Valor, a nuclear power startup, and Nvidia, an AI computing company, are partnering to develop a "waterless" AI data center in Orangeville, Emery County, Utah. This experimental project will utilize modular nuclear reactors and helium cooling to avoid water consumption, addressing a key environmental concern often associated with data center development.
A significant experiment is underway in Orangeville, Emery County, Utah, where a partnership between a nuclear power startup, Valor, and AI computing giant Nvidia aims to create a "waterless" data center. The project seeks to provide a new solution to the challenges of data center deployment, particularly concerning resource consumption.
Valor is developing modular nuclear reactors that will power the data center, utilizing a helium-based cooling architecture that eliminates the need for water, a stark contrast to traditional water-intensive cooling systems. Nvidia is collaborating to integrate its AI computing technology with this innovative power and cooling infrastructure. Valor has already achieved a major milestone, reaching criticality for its nuclear reactor at the State of Utah Lab last month and beginning to generate electricity.
This initiative is described as a bold step forward, positioning the United States to be competitive in artificial intelligence by developing "AI factories" without imposing burdens on local communities, such as excessive water usage. The partners highlighted that this approach directly addresses the environmental concerns that have led to protests against data centers in other areas. While specific timelines for Nvidia's full data center build-out were not provided, Valor is focused on scaling its nuclear technology to support the project, which is expected to bring jobs and a stronger tax base to Emery County.