Nvidia, PreussenElektra to Study AI Data Centers at Former Nuclear Sites
The partners will assess grid links, land and industrial infrastructure at decommissioned German plants; the plan does not involve nuclear power.
Nvidia and German energy company PreussenElektra GmbH announced a preliminary partnership on October 21 to assess whether decommissioned nuclear power plant sites in Germany can be converted into high-performance AI data centers, according to Tom's Hardware.
The assessment is in an experimental feasibility phase. It will examine existing energy grid links, available land and industrial infrastructure at the former nuclear sites.
The companies said the plan does not involve using nuclear power to supply any future data centers.
No investment amounts, approved development plans or definitive construction agreements have been finalized.
Decommissioning context
Germany permanently shut down its last remaining operational nuclear power plants in April 2023 following the Fukushima nuclear disaster and is dismantling about 30 nuclear power plants across the country. PreussenElektra is currently responsible for decommissioning and dismantling eight of them, which are likely the sites to be assessed.
Quick answers
Will the data centers be powered by nuclear energy?
No. Nvidia and PreussenElektra said the plan does not involve using nuclear power to power any future data centers.
Has any investment been approved?
No investment amounts, approved development plans or definitive construction agreements have been finalized.
What is being assessed?
The feasibility study will examine existing energy grid links, available land and industrial infrastructure at decommissioned nuclear sites in Germany.