Valar Atomics powers AI chips with advanced nuclear reactor
Nuclear startup Valar Atomics has successfully powered Nvidia's AI chips using an advanced reactor, marking a first for next-generation reactors in the U.S.
Valar Atomics, a U.S.-based nuclear energy startup, announced it has successfully powered Nvidia's artificial intelligence chips using its advanced reactor. The demonstration, which took place at its Utah facility, saw the company's Ward 250 reactor generate electricity to temporarily run a website powered by Nvidia's Blackwell chips.
This marks the first time a next-generation reactor in the United States has supplied power for such an application. The trial follows the reactor's successful achievement of criticality last month, signifying the start of a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction. Valar Atomics also announced a partnership with Nvidia to build a small data center in Utah.
The planned data center will focus on validating how AI computing facilities can operate using advanced nuclear power and closed-loop liquid cooling technology, aiming to reduce reliance on external power grids and water resources. While the power generated in this initial test was minimal, it demonstrates a potential pathway for providing stable, low-carbon energy to critical infrastructure.
The development comes as a wave of companies explore new nuclear energy technologies. These next-generation reactors often utilize novel materials and designs to enhance safety and efficiency. However, the sector remains in its early stages, with no advanced reactors yet in commercial operation in the U.S.