Scientists from the National Research Nuclear University (NRNU) MEPhI, the "Big MEPhI" consortium, and Rosatom are developing ultra-small nuclear reactors to power data centers (DPCs). This was announced by Valery Romanyuk, Vice-Rector of the country's leading technical university.
We have a subprogram to create a project for ultra-small nuclear reactors as independent power sources for DPCs from 5 to 50 megawatts.
Currently, the load on energy systems is growing worldwide due to the development of data centers. Their operation will be optimized, among other things, with the help of artificial intelligence technologies. Relevant developments are being carried out in a separate structural unit of MEPhI, Romanyuk concluded.
According to Sber, up to 200 DPCs were operating in Russia in 2025. Most of them (85%) are located in Moscow and St. Petersburg. From March 1, 2026, a register of DPCs of the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media came into effect within the framework of Federal Law No. 244-FZ. It is needed to increase market transparency and ensure the reliability of data center infrastructure.
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