Nvidia is collaborating with PreussenElektra to evaluate the feasibility of converting decommissioned nuclear power plant sites in Germany into data centers for AI operations. The initiative focuses on utilizing existing industrial infrastructure, including high-voltage grid connections and land, to support large-scale computing facilities.
The assessment will examine whether these former energy sites meet the specific operational requirements for AI factories, such as cooling capabilities and power access. PreussenElektra is currently managing the decommissioning and dismantling process for eight nuclear plants in Germany, which are the primary subjects of this study.
Both companies emphasize that the project is currently in an experimental feasibility phase. No definitive construction agreements or investment amounts have been finalized at this stage. The plan does not involve restarting nuclear power generation at these locations, as the focus remains strictly on repurposing existing industrial infrastructure.
This effort seeks to address the challenges of building new data centers from scratch, which often require complex approvals and infrastructure development. By leveraging established industrial zones, Nvidia aims to potentially reduce both the financial costs and the timelines associated with establishing new AI infrastructure.
