Deep Atomic has just revealed its MK60 – a new kind of small nuclear reactor designed to power and cool data centers. Think of it as a mini nuclear power plant specifically for the digital world.
This light water small modular reactor (SMR) has some clever built-in safety features. Deep Atomic describes it as “compact, scalable, and based on proven technology.” Each unit can generate up to 60 megawatts of electricity (MWe), and it also provides an extra 60 megawatts of cooling, thanks to a design that’s specifically made for data centers.
Based in Zurich, Switzerland, Deep Atomic believes this reactor is a great fit for all sorts of data centers, from those running cloud services and crypto mining to powering AI.
“Data centers are essential for digital innovation, but their huge energy needs are becoming a real roadblock to growth,” says Deep Atomic founder and CEO, William Theron.
New Power Solution
The MK60 offers data center operators a flexible power solution. It can be set up almost anywhere, even in places with limited access to the power grid, and its advanced safety features mean it can be located closer to cities.
“It’s designed to be installed right at the data center, providing reliable, zero-carbon electricity and efficient cooling. This dramatically cuts down on carbon emissions and helps data centers achieve their increasingly strict sustainability targets,” explains Theron.
Deep Atomic’s Head of Engineering, Freddy Mondale, points out that many areas are struggling to keep up with the power demands of new data centers. “Our on-site reactors get around these grid problems, allowing data centers to be built in the best locations without putting a strain on existing power infrastructure.”
Mondale also explains that a 60 MWe small nuclear reactor with that extra cooling capacity is “just right” for data centers. “It’s powerful enough for serious computing, but still small enough to be easily expanded and scaled up,” he says. He adds, “You can even install multiple MK60s, scaling up from 60 MW to over 1 gigawatt to meet growing energy needs.”
Deep Atomic has already started talking with regulators and potential customers as they continue developing the MK60. They’re looking for partners like data center operators and investors who are focused on building a sustainable future for digital infrastructure.
The unveiling of the MK60 comes hot on the heels of several recent announcements from major tech companies about getting involved with nuclear energy.
Yan Babushkin
