The technology industry is moving towards a more sustainable model with the alliance between Nvidia and the nuclear energy startup Valar Atomics, which are seeking to develop the first “waterless” data center. The goal is to eliminate water consumption in the cooling of these facilities, replacing it with an innovative system based on nuclear energy.
In a recent event in Utah, Nvidia unveiled a chip powered entirely by a modular nuclear reactor created by Valar Atomics. The reactor, installed at the state’s San Rafael Energy Lab, uses helium as a coolant instead of water, allowing it to operate at higher temperatures and eliminating the need for traditional water-cooling systems.
Isaiah Taylor, founder of Valar Atomics, explained to FOX 13 News: “Our reactor operates at higher temperatures, which makes water cooling unnecessary.” For its part, Nvidia has adapted its cooling architecture to operate under similar conditions, with air cooling and a closed system.
The Valar Atomics reactor, the first to operate in Utah, has already managed to generate 100 kilowatts of electricity in initial tests.
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A replicable and sustainable model
The proposal for a nuclear-powered, waterless data center emerges in a context of growing environmental concern in Utah, where recent data center projects have sparked protests over their impact on the environment and the Great Salt Lake. These concerns have led Governor Spencer Cox to issue regulatory measures that establish strict limits for the development of new technological infrastructure.
As part of its “Operation Gigawatt” initiative, the Utah government is promoting the expansion of nuclear energy as an alternative to meet growing energy demand without sacrificing water resources. So far, Valar Atomics is the first company in the state to achieve “criticality” in a modular reactor, an essential milestone for nuclear development that was reached ahead of the deadline set by the U.S. administration.
Initial results and expansion plans
At the moment, the Valar Atomics reactor produces 100 kilowatts of electricity, although the company plans to scale its capacity in the coming years to reach full commercial systems in Emery County. “Over the next few years in Emery County, we will take the next steps to have a fully commercial system,” Taylor stated.
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Nvidia announced plans to install a future artificial intelligence factory in Emery County, boosting technological innovation in the region. (Referential/Reuters)
The project has the backing of local and state leaders. Jordan Leonard, Emery County Commissioner, highlighted the economic and job benefits: “It is excellent for our community, not only for the job base but also for tax revenue. They are hiring our local people and the technology is exciting.”
The Utah Office of Energy Development, led by Emy Lesofski, is closely monitoring the project’s progress. Lesofski emphasized that the responsible use of resources is an indispensable condition: “You have to use our resources responsibly, otherwise, we will not allow it.” Despite the challenges, the official acknowledged the laboratory’s progress and did not rule out the success of the joint initiative.
State Representative Carl Albrecht, responsible for the legislation that enables nuclear development in Utah, maintained that these types of projects will help preserve water in the north and boost the economy in rural areas through the construction of artificial intelligence data centers. Nvidia drives technological advancement by presenting sustainable energy solutions for artificial intelligence data centers.
A new approach to artificial intelligence
Nvidia also announced its plans to install a future “AI factory” in Emery County, although without specifying dates. Taylor highlighted the strategic importance of these developments: “We believe this is the way forward. The United States needs to be competitive in artificial intelligence, but we must do it without straining local communities for water and energy. That is what we are demonstrating today.”
The waterless, nuclear-powered data center model is emerging as a sustainable and efficient alternative for the future of technology, positioning Utah as a pioneer in the integration of clean energy and digital development.
