Deep Atomic's MK60: First Nuclear-Powered AI Data Center at INL

January 1, 2026

January 2026 Update: Deep Atomic and Parker Tide submitted a proposal to the Department of Energy for the "nation's first" fully integrated nuclear-powered AI data center at Idaho National Laboratory. The MK60 SMR combines 60MW of electricity with 60MW of integrated cooling—purpose-built for AI workloads rather than repurposed from power plant designs.

TL;DR

Deep Atomic's Idaho National Lab proposal represents a new model: nuclear reactors designed specifically for data center loads from the ground up. The MK60's dual-output architecture (60MW power + 60MW cooling) addresses both electricity and thermal management in a single system. Initial operations would begin within 24-36 months using grid, geothermal, and solar while the SMR completes NRC certification. If approved, INL becomes the demonstration site for nuclear-powered AI infrastructure.

What Happened

Deep Atomic, an Austin-based SMR startup, submitted a proposal to the DOE's Office of Nuclear Energy in late November 2025 for an integrated nuclear-powered AI data center campus at Idaho National Laboratory.¹

Key proposal elements:

The proposal describes a phased approach: begin data center operations immediately using existing power sources while the MK60 completes NRC design certification, fabrication, and commissioning.²

Why It Matters

Purpose-Built for Compute

Unlike other SMR proposals that adapt power plant designs for data centers, the MK60 was engineered specifically for AI and HPC workloads:³

"The MK60 is engineered specifically for AI and HPC loads – this is not a repurposed power plant, but a dual-output SMR built for compute. By combining 60MW of clean electricity with 60MW of cooling, we unlock new levels of efficiency and resilience."

The dual-output architecture addresses data center's two primary needs simultaneously:

National Demonstration Site

If approved, INL becomes the template for nuclear-powered AI infrastructure:⁴

• Replicable model for federal campuses
• Framework for national laboratories
• Blueprint for cloud providers
• Pathway for private operators

The Trump administration has prioritized nuclear energy for AI data centers, positioning INL at the center of this initiative.⁵

Technical Details

MK60 Specifications

The MK60 is a Generation III+ pressurized light water reactor (PWR) with enhanced passive safety systems:⁶

Comparison to other SMRs:

Phased Deployment Model

Deep Atomic's proposal uses existing infrastructure to begin operations immediately:⁷

Phase 1 (24-36 months): - Data center construction and commissioning - Power from INL grid connection - Supplemental geothermal and solar - MK60 design certification proceeds in parallel

Phase 2 (36-60 months): - MK60 fabrication and installation - NRC licensing completion - Transition to nuclear primary power - Grid/renewables become backup

Phase 3 (60+ months): - Full nuclear operations - Potential expansion - Model replication to other sites

Regulatory Progress

Deep Atomic entered the NRC pre-application process for MK60 design certification in March 2025.⁸ The timeline:

Infrastructure Implications

For Data Center Operators

The INL proposal offers a potential model for nuclear-powered operations:⁹

Advantages: - 24/7 baseload power without grid dependency - Integrated cooling reduces infrastructure complexity - Zero-carbon electricity for sustainability requirements - Predictable, long-term energy costs

Considerations: - Regulatory timeline extends to late 2020s for SMR component - Initial operations still require grid connection - NRC certification represents major milestone - Capital requirements for nuclear construction

For Site Selection

INL's selection as demonstration site reflects specific advantages:¹⁰

Replication Potential

If successful, the model could expand to:¹¹

• Other DOE national laboratories
• Federal data center modernization
• Hyperscaler private sites
• Colocation campuses
• International markets (export of design)

What's Next

Near-Term (2026)

• DOE proposal evaluation
• NRC design certification application
• Site preparation at INL
• Partner financing arrangements

Medium-Term (2027-2029)

• MK60 design certification
• Construction permit application
• Data center operations begin (grid-powered phase)
• Manufacturing partnerships for reactor components

Long-Term (2030+)

• First MK60 commissioning
• Full nuclear operations
• Model replication decisions
• Next-generation designs

For AI infrastructure deployment with nuclear and alternative power considerations, contact Introl.

References