NVIDIA backs TerraPower and its small modular nuclear reactors for data centers

NVentures, NVIDIA's venture capital and investment arm, is included in TerraPower's latest $650 million fundraise. Joining TerraPower founder Bill Gates and HD Hyundai, NVIDIA's investment will be used to develop small modular reactor (SMR) technology, i.e., nuclear power, for data centers.

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For those who have been keeping tabs on the growing AI industry and the energy-hungry technology driving cutting-edge artificial intelligence, you'll no doubt be aware that just about all of the big players are actively looking toward portable nuclear reactors to power the future of AI-driven data centers.

"As AI continues to transform industries, nuclear energy is going to become a more vital energy source to help power these capabilities," said Mohamed 'Sid' Siddeek, Corporate Vice President and Head of NVentures. "TerraPower's nuclear reactor technologies offer innovative, carbon-free solutions to meet global energy needs while minimizing environmental impact."

So far, TerraPower has raised well over $1 billion from investors and around $2 billion from the U.S. Department of Energy for its clean energy solution for data centers. The company has developed Natrium technology, which pairs an advanced nuclear reactor with a "gigawatt-scale energy storage system." TerraPower notes that its Natrium plants offer safety, reliability, efficiency, and construction breakthroughs.

"TerraPower was founded on the idea that innovation in nuclear science could make positive, global impacts. This round further establishes that our technologies are the solutions that industry is looking for," said Chris Levesque, TerraPower President and CEO. "We are proud to have NVIDIA join our visionary group of investors."

According to reports, the first Natrium technology nuclear reactor will go live in the U.S. state of Wyoming in 2030, with around a dozen more to follow.