Equinix, one of the worlds largest data center operators, has announced a series of agreements to secure electricity from advanced nuclear energy. These include power purchase agreements and a preorder for mobile small nuclear reactors to power its data centers. The move comes amid growing concerns over global energy supplies, as electricity consumption surges due to technologies such as generative AI.

The company stated that these agreements are part of its long-term strategy to ensure stable and sustainable electricity supplies for its global operations. The deals are expected to provide more than 1 gigawatt of power for Equinix data centers a significant step as the company prepares for future expansion.

This reflects a broader trend in the data center sector toward early-stage agreements with advanced nuclear power providers to meet massive electricity demand. Although small modular reactors and next-generation nuclear technologies are not yet widely available commercially in the US a major hub for data centers these preliminary deals highlight growing interest in nuclear technology as a potential solution to the energy crisis.

Under the agreements, Equinix plans to purchase 500 megawatts of power from California-based Oklo, a developer of next-generation nuclear fission reactors. It has also placed a preorder for 20 mobile small reactors with Californias Radiant Nuclear. In Europe, Equinix has signed potential power purchase deals with developers ULC-Energy and Stellaria.

Raouf Abdel, Executive Vice President for Global Operations at Equinix, told Reuters that these agreements are part of the companys long-term energy planning and are not a short-term fix. The company has also signed agreements with Bloom Energy, a specialist in advanced fuel cells, to diversify its energy sources.

The push toward advanced nuclear energy follows the US Department of Energys launch of a pilot program selecting 11 projects to develop high-tech experimental reactors, with the aim of operating three of them in less than a year. This could accelerate the commercial availability of such technologies.

This strategic shift by Equinix and other tech companies reflects a proactive approach to meeting the surging energy demands of modern digital infrastructure, with a focus on innovative and sustainable power sources.