Argonne Study Highlights Nuclear Power as Strategic Fit for Data Centers — Argonne National Laboratory

Event summary

Argonne National Laboratory published a DOE report on March 19, 2026, exploring nuclear energy's role in powering data centers.
The study identified pathways including restarting retired reactors, power purchase agreements, and new construction.
Co-locating data centers with nuclear plants could create nearly 1,700 operational jobs and support thousands more.
Challenges include construction timelines, regulatory hurdles, water availability, and high upfront costs.

The big picture

The study comes as data center energy demand is projected to grow exponentially, creating a strategic opportunity for nuclear power to provide reliable, 24/7 electricity. This aligns with broader trends in sustainable energy and digital infrastructure expansion, positioning nuclear as a key player in the future energy mix. The research also highlights potential economic benefits, including significant job creation, which could drive further investment in nuclear-data center partnerships.

What we're watching

Regulatory Hurdles: Whether the study's proposed pathways can overcome existing regulatory barriers to nuclear-data center integration.
Technological Feasibility: The pace at which advanced nuclear technologies like small modular reactors can be deployed for data center use.
Economic Viability: How the high upfront costs of nuclear power integration will affect the long-term economic benefits for communities.