Energy Vault, a leader in energy storage solutions, has entered a strategic partnership with NuCube Energy, a developer of advanced nuclear microreactors. The collaboration aims to deliver NuCube’s NuSun microreactor, designed to support the growing energy needs of the data center industry. This partnership combines cutting-edge nuclear technology with innovative energy storage systems to create a low-carbon, reliable energy solution for large-scale data center operations.
Integration of NuSun Microreactors and Energy Vault’s Energy Management Systems
The partnership will see the integration of the NuSun microreactor with Energy Vault’s VaultOS Energy Management System and B-VAULT Battery Storage System. This synergy is intended to provide flexible, cost-effective baseload generation for data centers, allowing for seamless 24/7 operations. Energy Vault’s systems will store excess energy generated during periods of low demand, enabling dispatch during peak demand times, thus ensuring continuous power availability even during high-usage periods.
“By integrating microreactors with Energy Vault’s unique approach to energy storage, we can ensure that AI data centers have access to carbon-free electricity and operate seamlessly,” said Marco Terruzzin, Chief Commercial and Product Officer at Energy Vault.
Expected Deployment Timeline for NuSun Microreactors
The companies anticipate the deployment of the integrated platform by late 2028 or early 2029, with a primary focus on the U.S. market. This timeline underscores the rapid pace at which both firms are working to bring reliable, low-carbon energy solutions to the data center sector. Energy Vault will play a critical role in customizing software within its VaultOS system to support the joint control of the NuSun microreactor and the B-VAULT Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
The Role of NuCube’s NuSun Microreactor Technology
NuCube’s NuSun microreactor leverages nuclear fission technology, specifically Triso fuel and heat pipe technology, to offer high reliability with minimal moving parts. This approach ensures safe and efficient operation, with the reactor housed in a portable stainless-steel enclosure. Unlike traditional reactors, the NuSun microreactor has been designed with minimal moving components, which enhances operational longevity and reduces maintenance costs. Emergency planning requirements are confined to the building housing the reactor, making it a practical solution for industries such as data centers.
While NuCube has not disclosed the reactor’s total power output, its focus on portability and ease of integration makes it an attractive option for decentralized energy needs in critical industries.
Why Data Centers Are Turning to Microreactors and SMRs
Microreactors and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are gaining traction in the data center industry as companies seek sustainable, reliable, and cost-efficient energy solutions. The trend is being fueled by the growing energy demands of AI, cloud computing, and other data-intensive technologies. In the past year alone, several notable partnerships have emerged, with major hyperscalers making significant commitments to nuclear energy. For example, AWS has signed agreements to deploy over 600 MW of nuclear power in Washington and Virginia. Similarly, Google has committed to purchasing nuclear energy from Karios Power’s SMRs by 2030, and data center developer Switch has agreed to purchase up to 12 GW of power from SMR developer Oklo through 2044.
Energy Vault’s partnership with NuCube is part of this broader movement, responding to the need for data centers to operate continuously while minimizing their carbon footprint.
Energy Vault’s Contribution to Reactor Safety and Containment
Energy Vault will leverage its expertise in material science—derived from its gravity storage research—to develop specialized shielding and containment systems for the NuSun microreactor. This collaboration highlights Energy Vault’s role in ensuring the safe integration of new technologies into critical infrastructure, further cementing its position as a leader in innovative energy storage solutions.
The Future of Microreactors in the Data Center Industry
As nuclear microreactor technology advances, it’s clear that these compact, flexible energy solutions will play an increasingly vital role in powering the data centers of the future. The combination of NuCube’s NuSun reactor and Energy Vault’s energy storage and management systems promises a scalable, low-carbon solution that meets the growing energy demands of the sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a NuSun microreactor?
The NuSun microreactor is a small nuclear fission reactor developed by NuCube Energy. It uses Triso fuel and heat pipe technology to provide a high-reliability, low-carbon power source with minimal moving parts, designed for portability and integration into applications like data centers.
How will the partnership benefit data centers?
The partnership between Energy Vault and NuCube will provide data centers with a reliable, low-carbon power solution. By integrating the NuSun microreactor with Energy Vault’s energy storage systems, data centers can maintain continuous power availability, even during peak demand periods, while reducing carbon emissions.
When will the integrated energy solution be available for data centers?
Energy Vault and NuCube aim to deploy the integrated platform by late 2028 or early 2029, with an initial focus on the U.S. market.
What is the role of Energy Vault in the partnership?
Energy Vault will design and deploy customized software capabilities within its VaultOS Energy Management System to support the joint control of the NuSun microreactor and the B-VAULT Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). Additionally, Energy Vault will develop shielding and containment systems for the reactor.
Are microreactors a viable energy solution for AI data centers?
Yes, microreactors offer a promising solution for AI data centers due to their ability to provide continuous, low-carbon energy at a cost-effective price point, addressing the growing energy needs of these data-intensive applications.
