Westinghouse & Data4 Partner on European Data Center Project
Westinghouse Electric Company and Data4, a leader among Europe’s data center developers and operators, have entered into a landmark partnership to explore the deployment of AP300™ small modular reactors (SMRs) for powering future data centers across Europe. The two companies recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), under which Data4 has selected the AP300 SMR as its preferred technology to assess for implementation at one of its upcoming data center campuses. The collaboration aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and enhance the resilience of energy-intensive data infrastructure while ensuring a sustainable and carbon-free power supply.
The Growing Energy Demands of Data Centers
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing is driving an exponential increase in global data center energy consumption. According to Goldman Sachs Research, data center power demand is projected to rise by 165% by 2030. This escalating requirement for energy poses a significant challenge to the industry, necessitating the adoption of innovative and sustainable power solutions. Data center operators require a steady, abundant, and highly reliable energy supply to maintain round-the-clock mission-critical digital services. The Westinghouse AP300 SMR technology is well-positioned to meet these demands by providing cost-effective, carbon-free baseload nuclear power in a safe, compact, and flexible design.
A Game-Changer in Data Center Energy Infrastructure
Olivier Micheli, CEO of Data4, highlighted the transformative shift occurring in the data center industry, emphasizing the need for intelligent and diversified energy sources.
“The data center industry is undergoing a profound transformation. With the rise of AI, energy supply is evolving rapidly. In the past, data centers relied solely on traditional power utilities. Today, we are entering an era where the campuses of the future will be powered by multiple intelligent sources, seamlessly integrating on-site generation, traditional grid supply, and energy storage,” said Micheli.
By incorporating the Westinghouse AP300 SMR into its energy strategy, Data4 aims to develop more self-sufficient and resilient data center campuses. The integration of nuclear energy will help mitigate reliance on conventional power grids, alleviate strain on public utilities, and provide a stable power supply for high-performance computing (HPC), AI workloads, and cloud infrastructure.
Why the AP300 SMR?
The AP300 SMR stands out as the only small modular reactor based on licensed and operational advanced reactor technology. Unlike other SMR concepts that remain in the development phase and carry first-of-a-kind risks, the AP300 SMR leverages the established engineering, licensing, components, and supply chain of the AP1000® reactor, which has been in successful operation globally. Westinghouse expects the AP300 SMR to be commercially operational by the early 2030s, making it the most deployable SMR solution currently available.
Patrick Fragman, President and CEO of Westinghouse, emphasized the importance of SMRs for meeting the rising energy needs of data centers:
“As technology centers and cloud providers expand data infrastructure to meet increasing demand, small modular reactors offer a promising solution for powering the next generation of energy-intensive computing. Our AP300 modular reactor can provide data centers with a dedicated, on-site power source for reliable and carbon-free energy.”
Advantages of Deploying SMRs for Data Centers
The AP300 SMR presents several key advantages for data center operators looking to transition toward sustainable power sources:
- Carbon-Free Energy: Nuclear power eliminates carbon emissions, making it a viable alternative for reducing the environmental footprint of large-scale data centers.
- Reliable Baseload Power: Unlike intermittent renewable sources, nuclear energy provides uninterrupted 24/7 electricity, ensuring the continuous operation of mission-critical data services.
- Compact & Scalable Design: The AP300 SMR’s modular nature allows for flexible deployment at various scales, making it adaptable for data centers of different sizes.
- Reduced Grid Dependence: On-site nuclear power generation enhances energy security and reduces the strain on public electricity grids, especially as demand surges due to AI and cloud expansion.
- Long-Term Cost Effectiveness: While initial capital costs for nuclear infrastructure are significant, SMRs provide long-term economic benefits through low operating costs and stable energy pricing.
The Role of Westinghouse in the Future of Clean Energy
Westinghouse Electric Company has been at the forefront of clean energy innovation for over 135 years. The company supplied the world’s first commercial pressurized water reactor in 1957, and its technology serves as the foundation for nearly half of the world’s operating nuclear plants today. Through continued advancements in nuclear reactor design, Westinghouse remains a trusted partner for safe and sustainable energy solutions.
Westinghouse’s AP300 SMR initiative aligns with its broader mission to develop cutting-edge, carbon-free power technologies tailored to various industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, and now, data centers. The AP300 SMR is an integral component of Westinghouse’s strategy to address the growing demand for reliable, clean energy in an increasingly electrified world.
Data4: A Leader in Sustainable Data Center Development
As a leading European data center operator and investor, Data4 is committed to fostering digital growth through sustainable infrastructure. The company finances, designs, constructs, and operates its own data centers, setting a benchmark for scalable and secure IT hosting solutions. Data4 has pioneered an ultra-connected, resilient, and environmentally conscious data center campus model, with a long-term vision of integrating renewable and alternative energy sources.
The company’s sustainability framework, known as the Data4Good program, is centered on four main pillars:
- Environmental Responsibility: Minimizing the ecological impact of data center operations through energy-efficient design and carbon-free power solutions.
- People & Workforce Development: Promoting employee well-being and fostering a diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environment.
- Community Engagement: Strengthening relationships with local communities and contributing to regional economic growth.
- Governance & Compliance: Ensuring adherence to industry best practices and regulatory frameworks for responsible data center operations.
With data center campuses in France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Germany, and Greece, Data4 is uniquely positioned to spearhead the adoption of next-generation energy solutions across Europe. The company serves a diverse clientele, including international cloud providers, major telecom operators, and multinational enterprises.
The Future of Data Centers and Nuclear Energy
The partnership between Westinghouse and Data4 marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of data center energy infrastructure. As AI, cloud computing, and digital services continue to expand, the demand for high-capacity, clean power will intensify. By integrating small modular nuclear reactors into data center operations, companies can achieve energy autonomy, enhance sustainability, and fortify the resilience of critical digital infrastructure.
With the AP300 SMR expected to be operational by the early 2030s, this collaboration represents a forward-thinking approach to bridging the gap between energy security and digital transformation. As Europe and the global data industry navigate the complexities of energy transition, partnerships like this will play a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable, high-performance computing.
