https://interestingengineering.com/energy/last-energy-build-nuclear-microreactors

US to get 30 nuclear microreactors to generate clean energy for data centers

Last Energy’s PWR-20 is designed for mass production to scale output to user demand.

A Washington-based firm has decided to build 30 microreactors in Haskell County, Texas. Last Energy has obtained control of a 200-acre site to provide power to off-takers via a mix of private wire and grid transmission.

The facility is expected to serve American data center customers across the state. “Texas is the energy capital of America, and we are working to be No. 1 in advanced nuclear power,” said Governor Abbott.

“Last Energy’s microreactor project in Haskell County will help fulfill the state’s growing data center demand. Texas must become a national leader in advanced nuclear energy. By working together with industry leaders like Last Energy, we will usher in a nuclear power renaissance in the United States.”

Crucial role in adding capacity to grid

Last Energy revealed that the Northwest Texas project will play a crucial role in adding capacity to the grid and meeting data center deployment projections. Texas is currently home to over 340 data centers which consume nearly eight gigawatts of power and make up nine percent of all Texas electricity demand.

In the Dallas-Fort Worth region alone, data centers are expected to drive an additional 43 gigawatts of demand. Last Energy’s PWR-20 is designed for mass-manufacturability to scale output to user demand. PWR-20, which produces 20 MWe, is fully modular and designed for flexible siting, plug-and-play installation, and rapid scalability.

Nuclear power effective way to meet Texas’ demand

Bret Kugelmass, Founder and CEO of Last Energy, stated that Texas is America’s undisputed energy leader, but skyrocketing population growth and data center development are forcing policymakers, customers, and energy providers to embrace new technologies.

“Nuclear power is the most effective way to meet Texas’ demand, but our solution --- plug-and-play microreactors, designed for scalability and siting flexibility — is the best way to meet it quickly. Texas is a state that recognizes energy is a precondition for prosperity, and Last Energy is excited to contribute to that mission.”

Last Energy has already filed for a grid connection with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and, following briefings with local stakeholders, is preparing to file for an Early Site Permit (ESP) with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

Two full-scale prototypes developed in Texas

Earlier, the company built two full-scale prototypes in Texas with local manufacturing partners. Last Energy has also held multiple demonstration events in Texas with industry and government stakeholders, including in Houston, during CERAWeek 2024. In addition to developing its site in Texas, Last Energy is exploring projects in Utah, according to a press release.

Reed Clay, president of the Texas Nuclear Alliance, stated that Texas’ growing data center industry will require reliable and resilient power sources that operate 24/7.

“Nuclear energy is the self-evident solution to the state’s growing demand. Last Energy’s Haskell County project is a model of how next-generation nuclear can integrate seamlessly into high-demand industries and showcases how innovation can drive both energy security and the future of global connectivity,” concluded Clay.