Nvidia, PreussenElektra to study AI data center at nuclear site
The preliminary deal covers grid connections, water and land at a plant being decommissioned; no reactor restart is planned.
Nvidia has signed a preliminary agreement with German utility PreussenElektra GmbH to examine whether an AI computing facility can be built on the site of a nuclear plant that is being decommissioned, according to digitaltoday.co.kr. The agreement does not involve restarting reactors or generating power through nuclear fission.
The two companies will assess existing grid connections, water availability, industrial infrastructure and available land. The specific site under consideration was not disclosed.
PreussenElektra is responsible for the shutdown and dismantling of eight nuclear plants in Germany, making those sites possible candidates, though nothing has been confirmed.
PreussenElektra CEO Guido Knott said existing plant sites retain valuable industrial infrastructure that could serve future-oriented uses, and that the company will evaluate with Nvidia whether that infrastructure can be used for AI factories.
Nvidia regional head Markus Hacker said AI factories need power, land and large-scale infrastructure, and that existing industrial sites could form the basis for next-generation computing facilities. The companies will check whether each site meets the technical and operational requirements for an AI facility.
The project remains at the feasibility-study stage. Investment size, concrete design and construction contracts were not disclosed, and it was not disclosed whether local authorities or residents have been consulted.
Germany's nuclear exit
After the Fukushima nuclear accident, Germany pursued a nuclear phase-out and permanently shut down its last three operating reactors in April 2023. About 30 nuclear plants in Germany are currently undergoing decommissioning procedures.
Quick answers
Will the nuclear plant be restarted for the AI data center?
No. The agreement does not involve restarting reactors or generating power through nuclear fission; the companies will only assess existing grid connections, water, infrastructure and land.
Which site is being considered?
The specific site was not disclosed. PreussenElektra handles the shutdown and dismantling of eight nuclear plants in Germany, so those sites may be candidates, but nothing has been confirmed.
How much will the project cost?
Investment size, concrete design and construction contracts were not disclosed. The project is still at the feasibility-study stage.