The US is revisiting nuclear energy as tech companies face AI’s growing power needs. Fermi America in Amarillo, Texas, will collaborate with Hyundai to deploy nuclear power to support an advanced energy campus, described as the largest of its kind. The project, backed by former Texas governor Rick Perry and investor Toby Neugebauer, combines innovations in nuclear and gas generation to position Texas as a leader in energy and intelligence.

In 2023, Fermi America announced plans to commence construction on the first of four Westinghouse AP1000 reactors. By 2032, power generation is expected to begin, according to an MoU. Besides the nuclear reactors, the project involves four gigawatts of combined-cycle gas plants and smaller modular reactors with Hyundai’s expertise.

Funding and timeline challenges are evident, as past projects have exceeded budgets and schedules, partly due to unexpected obstacles like Westinghouse’s 2017 bankruptcy during a similar project. Despite these hurdles, expectations remain high for the innovative integration of nuclear, gas, solar, and battery storage solutions.

Hyundai’s selection for this project stems from their experience managing 22 nuclear reactors, promising expert oversight. The intent is also to use gas generators, claiming a 30% cleaner output than the existing grid. Future growth in capacity will see deployment of various energy components to align with clean development goals.

This ambitious scheme is one of several emerging in the sector, signaling a shift in power strategy amid AI’s demands, as others too look to nuclear power for datacenter efficiency.