HGP Intelligent Energy Proposes Nuclear Reactor Repurposing from USS Nimitz for Data Centers in Tennessee
HGP Intelligent Energy is proposing to repurpose nuclear reactors from decommissioned military ships, particularly the USS Nimitz, to power data centers in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The project aims to generate 450 to 520 MW of stable energy, sufficient for around 360,000 homes or one data center.
The initiative is supported by established companies like Constellation Energy and startups like Oklo, amidst a growing energy crisis for AI data centers. The reactors will be extracted from the USS Nimitz, which is being retired in favor of newer Gerald R.
Ford-class carriers. Retrofitting costs are estimated between $1 and $4 million per megawatt, significantly lower than traditional reactor construction. However, the process is lengthy, requiring up to a decade and multiple steps. Regulatory challenges exist due to the military-grade uranium used in naval reactors, necessitating complete redesign for civilian safety standards.
