Bill Gates’ Terra Power and HD Hyundai Join Forces for Commercial Rollout of Advanced Nuclear Energy

Bill Gates' Terra Power and HD Hyundai announced a strategic collaboration to expand the global nuclear manufacturing supply chain for data centers.

The AI industry, data centers (incl. AI data centers) are driving a resurgence in nuclear power, partly to meet their massive and continuous energy demands.

Terra Power is partnering with South Korea’s HD Hyundai to scale the global supply chain for Natrium small modular reactors, accelerating the commercial rollout of advanced nuclear technology. The primary customer is data centers! The agreement combines HD Hyundai’s manufacturing expertise with TerraPower’s cutting-edge reactor technology.

As we face an unprecedented surge in energy demands from the AI industry and data centers, it's crucial to find sustainable solutions to support this growth. Nuclear power provides a stable and consistent energy supply, essential for data centers that operate 24/7, ensuring no interruptions in service.

TerraPower is building its first reactor near the site of a retiring coal facility in Kemmerer, Wyoming, in a joint effort with the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Reactor Demonstration Project.

Given our previous blog on Bill Gates and Terra Powers nuclear ventures, this development presents an opportunity to revisit the evolving landscape of nuclear energy and its potential impact on the broader energy sector - and the running of data centers in particular.

HD Hyundai

Hyundai Builds Korea’s Largest Net-Neutral Data Center.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, known for its leadership in high-precision manufacturing and shipbuilding, will play a key role in producing essential components for Natrium reactors. The company was first selected in 2024 to develop the reactor vessel for TerraPower’s first Natrium plant in Wyoming, and this new agreement expands its role to support future projects.

Hydrogen and the Future of Data Center Energy

Terra Power and HD Hyundai’s advancements in hydrogen production could also revolutionize data center energy solutions. Hydrogen fuel cells provide a zero-emission backup power source and could replace diesel generators commonly used in data centers. As HD Hyundai scales hydrogen production, it could offer reliable, clean alternatives for critical infrastructure like data centers.

TerraPower and HD Hyundai Partner to Scale Nuclear Supply Chain

The Natrium technology is designed to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective nuclear power, featuring a sodium-cooled fast reactor and an integrated energy storage system. This combination allows Natrium plants to provide both steady baseload power and flexible energy output, making them a critical solution for balancing the grid as energy demand grows.

The agreement combines HD Hyundai's manufacturing expertise with TerraPower's cutting-edge reactor technology, and will build new supply chain capacity to enable large-scale production and global deployment of Natrium plants.

HD Hyundai’s Role in the Clean Energy Revolution

We were also surprised when we read about Terra Power and HD Hyundai’s partnership (because HD Hyundai, formerly Hyundai Heavy Industries, is a South Korean industrial giant with a strong legacy in shipbuilding, heavy machinery, and energy solutions. In recent years, the company has expanded its focus to include clean energy innovations, positioning itself as a key player in the global energy transition.

One of HD Hyundai’s major areas of investment is next-generation nuclear energy, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactor technologies—areas that align with TerraPower’s mission to provide safe, scalable, and carbon-free nuclear power. The company’s expertise in engineering and manufacturing large-scale industrial systems makes it a valuable contributor to the evolving nuclear landscape.

Additionally, HD Hyundai has been actively developing hydrogen solutions, floating offshore wind farms, and smart energy infrastructure, aiming to create integrated energy systems that support both renewable power generation and stable grid management. These initiatives complement the broader shift towards clean, reliable, and sustainable energy sources.

As nuclear power continues to be a critical piece of the clean energy puzzle, partnerships and technological advancements from companies like HD Hyundai will play an essential role in accelerating the adoption of next-generation nuclear technologies, such as TerraPower’s Natrium reactor.

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for Data Centers

HD Hyundai’s focus on small modular reactors (SMRs) presents an exciting opportunity for data centers. SMRs are designed to provide:

• Carbon-free, stable energy supply: SMRs produce zero emissions during operation, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, which still power a significant number of data centers.

• Scalability: SMRs can be deployed in modular setups, making them ideal for powering individual data centers or entire regional clusters.

• Reliability: Unlike solar and wind, nuclear power is not weather-dependent, ensuring 24/7 energy availability, which is crucial for data centers that require uninterrupted power.

By integrating SMRs into the energy mix for data centers, companies can significantly reduce their carbon footprint while ensuring a resilient power supply.

US microreactor technology company NANO Nuclear Energy Inc has signed a strategic collaboration agreement with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to construct the first research KRONOS micro modular reactor on the university's campus.

Synergy Between Renewables and Nuclear for Smart Energy Systems

HD Hyundai’s investments in floating offshore wind farms and smart energy systems complement nuclear energy by creating a diversified, hybrid energy grid. For data centers, this synergy could offer:

• Peak demand management: Renewables like wind can handle peak loads, while nuclear provides consistent baseload power.

• Energy storage integration: Smart systems can store excess renewable energy and seamlessly integrate it with nuclear power to maintain stable operations.

• Decentralized energy supply: Floating offshore wind farms located near coastal data centers can reduce transmission losses and enhance energy efficiency.

The Bigger Picture: A Sustainable Digital Economy

As the world embraces a low-carbon future, data centers must transition to sustainable energy sources to support the booming digital economy. HD Hyundai’s leadership in nuclear, renewables, and hydrogen positions it as a vital partner for data center operators striving to meet their environmental goals. The company’s innovations not only align with the clean energy transition but also pave the way for building a resilient, carbon-free energy grid capable of supporting the data-driven demands of the future.

By bridging the gap between next-generation nuclear technologies and renewable energy systems, HD Hyundai is driving a cleaner, more sustainable energy future—one that can power both our digital infrastructure and our planet responsibly.

Read Platocom's blog "AI, Nuclear Power, Data Centers and Bill Gates" here.

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