SMART Centre discusses how nuclear energy and AI could go together
A discussion in Wheeling examined whether small modular nuclear reactors could provide power for growing data center and AI demand. Speakers and attendees also raised concerns about data centers’ electricity use, water consumption, noise and broader environmental impacts, while questioning a previously proposed West Virginia nuclear program involving nuclear waste.
A SMART Centre discussion in Wheeling explored the relationship between small modular nuclear reactors, artificial intelligence and data centers. Richard Pollack, the center’s energy-projects official, and director Robert Strong said nuclear power is being promoted as a way to meet data centers’ substantial electricity needs while reducing reliance on grid power and limiting cooling-water demand.
The presentation also highlighted concerns about reactor waste and data center impacts. Belmont County residents described sharply higher electric bills after data centers arrived in Ohio, while others cited water problems and persistent noise. Pollack discussed a canceled West Virginia application to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses program, which documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request indicated could have involved receiving and reprocessing nuclear waste. Gov. Patrick Morrisey disputed the reporting, while the Charleston Gazette-Mail defended its documents.