Better yet, how about a micro reactor on each car. they could call it Mr. Fusion!
Posted on 03/03/2025 12:16:05 PM PST by george76
Last Energy’s PWR-20 is designed for mass production to scale output to user demand...
Washington-based firm has decided to build 30 microreactors in Haskell County, Texas. Last Energy has obtained control of a 200-acre site to provide power to off-takers via a mix of private wire and grid transmission.
The facility is expected to serve American data center customers across the state. “Texas is the energy capital of America, and we are working to be No. 1 in advanced nuclear power,” said Governor Abbott.
“Last Energy’s microreactor project in Haskell County will help fulfill the state’s growing data center demand. Texas must become a national leader in advanced nuclear energy. By working together with industry leaders like Last Energy, we will usher in a nuclear power renaissance in the United States.”
Crucial role in adding capacity to grid Last Energy revealed that the Northwest Texas project will play a crucial role in adding capacity to the grid and meeting data center deployment projections. Texas is currently home to over 340 data centers which consume nearly eight gigawatts of power and make up nine percent of all Texas electricity demand.
In the Dallas-Fort Worth region alone, data centers are expected to drive an additional 43 gigawatts of demand. Last Energy’s PWR-20 is designed for mass-manufacturability to scale output to user demand. PWR-20, which produces 20 MWe, is fully modular and designed for flexible siting, plug-and-play installation, and rapid scalability.
Nuclear power effective way to meet Texas’ demand Bret Kugelmass, Founder and CEO of Last Energy, stated that Texas is America’s undisputed energy leader, but skyrocketing population growth and data center development are forcing policymakers, customers, and energy providers to embrace new technologies.
“Nuclear power is the most effective way to meet Texas’ demand, but our solution — plug-and-play microreactors, designed for scalability and siting flexibility — is the best way to meet it quickly. Texas is a state that recognizes energy is a precondition for prosperity, and Last Energy is excited to contribute to that mission.”
Last Energy has already filed for a grid connection with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and, following briefings with local stakeholders, is preparing to file for an Early Site Permit (ESP) with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
Two full-scale prototypes developed in Texas Earlier, the company built two full-scale prototypes in Texas with local manufacturing partners. Last Energy has also held multiple demonstration events in Texas with industry and government stakeholders, including in Houston, during CERAWeek 2024. In addition to developing its site in Texas, Last Energy is exploring projects in Utah, according to a press release.
Reed Clay, president of the Texas Nuclear Alliance, stated that Texas’ growing data center industry will require reliable and resilient power sources that operate 24/7.
“Nuclear energy is the self-evident solution to the state’s growing demand. Last Energy’s Haskell County project is a model of how next-generation nuclear can integrate seamlessly into high-demand industries and showcases how innovation can drive both energy security and the future of global connectivity
Better yet, how about a micro reactor on each car. they could call it Mr. Fusion!
Could use one of those myself...
1.21 Gigawatts!
Pressurized water but closed-cycle air cooled.
This is a big deal, but it is not necessarily a good solution.
Spent nuclear fuel is ENORMOUSLY dangerous. Huge neutron flux.
There is no central depository. Yucca Mountain got defunded when the locals went crazy and Harry Reid backed them.
Fuel gets stored ON SITE. Every power plant puts the waste in a corner of the property just waiting for some accident that kills thousands nearby. OTOH, France is about 70% nuclear for its electricity, stores all spent fuel ON SITE and that 1000s dead event has yet to happen.
Another big issue in this is Data Centers are going to spike domestic natural gas consumption. It’s not infinite. It WILL run out. The more you consume per day (most power plants have now switched from coal to natgas) the faster it’s gone.
So . . . go back to coal, of which we have a lot, or run out of natgas — at which point, before it is empty, you either shut down AI or have a crash program to return to coal — as if the lawsuits won’t stop that.
(Soothing voice over speaker) - "I'm sorry, Dave, I can't do that."
Last Energy is privately held. No stock outstanding.
I see this as eventually a catastrophic choice for Texas. Yes, they’ll make a lot of money at first, but with the population this will attract the State will go the way of California, with Oregon, Colorado, and Arizona thereafter.
Does that use the 2-stage flux capacitor?
That’s what Im’ talkin’ about.
I should have specified gas is cheapest for new power. Once built the cost per MWH of nuclear and hydro is cheaper than nat gas but NG plants are much faster and cheaper to build making lifecycle cost of NG about a third of nuclear or hydro.
If regulation and litigation were under control it would greatly improve the lifecycle costs on nuclear (by as much as half) and hydro which would make it more attractive and likely cheaper but if we want more supply fast we should be firing up NG plants all over the South and West.
What about water? Do they reclaim it?
Finally👍
Lastenergy claims some 300 plants in operation.
Oh yeah, make it so the data centers developing AI are self sufficient and can continue operating even if told not to.
“I want one for my house”
20 MW?
I’d like a 15KW one for my house.
Like a Mr. Fusion size.
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