Data Center Signal is tracking 7 clips about Valar Atomics data center developments across 2 states, including UT, KS.
Two large data centers are planned for Utah's coal country, specifically Orangeville, utilizing power from the San Rafael Energy Research Center. Local residents are expressing strong concerns regarding the projects' proximity to homes and the proposed power source, leading to significant community opposition.
A California company, Deep Fission, is drilling the first underground nuclear reactor in Parsons, Kansas, to power AI data centers. This project, sited near a residential area and through drinking water, raises significant environmental and safety concerns due to rewritten safety regulations and a lack of oversight. Local residents, led by groups like the Prairie Dog Alliance, are actively opposing the project and a federal lawsuit has been filed challenging regulatory authority.
Utah is evaluating potential legal changes to mandate water-saving technologies for data centers, as current adoption is voluntary despite significant conservation benefits. Lawmakers are addressing concerns about water depletion and political backlash against data centers amid a severe drought. The state's legislative interim committee is examining options to regulate the growing industry's water usage.
The Emery County Commission held discussions on data center regulations and a proposed 180-day moratorium on new applications. Resident Ashley Pruitt voiced concerns regarding water usage, noise, and other environmental impacts, specifically mentioning Valar Atomics and a proposed Nvidia data center. Commissioners are considering establishing standards before formal applications are submitted.
Valar Atomics successfully powered an Nvidia AI chip with its Ward 250 nuclear reactor in Utah, marking a US first. This demonstration, combined with a joint feasibility study for a 30-megawatt water-free AI computing facility, highlights the potential for off-grid, sustainable power for data centers. Other tech giants like Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon are also exploring nuclear power solutions for their energy-intensive AI operations, signaling a significant shift in the data center industry's approach to energy supply.
Valar Atomics and Nvidia have announced a partnership to explore developing a nearly waterless AI data center in Orangeville, Utah, powered by Valar's advanced small modular nuclear reactor. This collaboration marks the first time advanced nuclear energy will directly power AI infrastructure, aiming to address concerns about electricity and water consumption while creating local jobs and revenue. The project is currently in the exploration phase and requires licensing from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Valar Atomics and Nvidia are partnering to develop a small nuclear-powered data center in Utah, aiming to demonstrate water conservation for AI computing facilities using Valar's microreactor and Nvidia's liquid cooling technology. This initiative comes amidst public concern over data center power and water demands. Valar also joined a lawsuit challenging the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's licensing authority over microreactors.