Chicago-based construction firm Clayco has announced its support for a groundbreaking proposal to develop the first fully integrated nuclear-powered data center campus in the United States. The proposal, spearheaded by Swiss-American energy developer Deep Atomic, was submitted to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and includes plans to co-locate advanced nuclear energy generation with hyperscale data center infrastructure.
The proposed project aims to establish the campus at Idaho National Laboratory, where Clayco would play a central role in managing construction phasing and sequencing. If approved, the development could mark a significant milestone in the pairing of next-generation nuclear technology with energy-intensive digital infrastructure.
According to the proposal, the project would be built in phases. Initially, Clayco would construct the data center campus using power drawn from a combination of grid electricity, geothermal, and solar sources. After the facilities are completed, Deep Atomic would deploy its MK60 Small Modular Reactor (SMR) to provide on-site nuclear power generation, making the campus a model for clean, scalable energy solutions for artificial intelligence (AI) and other data-heavy applications.
"We believe this project could serve as a blueprint for providing data centers with the clean, scalable power that increased AI use requires", Clayco said in a statement. "The implementation of these types of SMRs will see increased adoption going forward."
As part of its role, Clayco would also help integrate energy systems with the unique demands of AI-focused infrastructure. This includes aligning structural components, cooling systems, and power distribution networks to handle the massive loads required by hyperscale computing.
The proposal highlights the growing strain that AI technology is placing on the U.S. power grid. According to Clayco, AI-related infrastructure is expected to drive a 15% increase in electricity demand by 2030. This has prompted a heightened focus on alternative energy sources to ensure grid stability.
"This growing need necessitates the utilization of alternative power sources to maintain grid stability", noted Clayco. "It also presents a pivotal moment for U.S. power infrastructure to enhance its reliance on clean energy sources including nuclear, enabling greater sustainability in this critical sector of American development."
Nuclear power - particularly through the use of small modular reactors - offers a compelling solution for data centers due to its ability to provide reliable, carbon-free baseload energy. Unlike intermittent renewable sources such as wind or solar, nuclear reactors can deliver continuous power, a critical requirement for mission-critical digital operations.
If approved, the Idaho campus could serve as a replicable template for future AI-focused infrastructure projects across the country. Co-locating energy generation with data center operations has the potential to reduce transmission constraints, improve grid resilience, and shorten the timelines required for utility interconnections.
For the construction sector, however, this type of project introduces new complexities. Incorporating SMRs into commercial developments requires meticulous coordination with federal regulators, utilities, reactor developers, and construction teams to ensure safety and compliance. Clayco's experience in delivering hyperscale data centers - with 57 active projects across the U.S. - positions the firm as a key player in translating innovative concepts into tangible outcomes.
"Successful DOE submissions require more than innovative energy concepts - they require confidence that projects can be delivered safely, efficiently, and at scale", said Bob Clark, executive chairman and founder of Clayco.
The proposed nuclear-powered data center campus in Idaho represents a significant step forward in addressing the growing energy demands of AI and cloud computing. As the industry explores new ways to integrate clean, reliable power with digital infrastructure, this initiative could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of energy and construction.
While the DOE has yet to approve the proposal, the project underscores a critical shift in energy strategy and infrastructure design, driven by the rapid evolution of AI technologies and their associated power needs.
