Analysis of Sustainable and Carbon-Free Nuclear Power for Enhancing Data Center Energy Security in the Artificial Intelligence Era

The rapid growth in electricity demand from information technology devices, particularly data centers, presents a critical energy challenge necessitating adaptable and sustainable power supply strategies. This study employs system dynamics (SD) modeling to simulate data center operations, incorporating key variables that capture both conventional characteristics and the integration of nuclear energy. The simulations reveal distinct temporal patterns: current1 gradually rises and stabilizes after approximately 15 years, whereas current2 peaks early and declines from around year 8, with higher variability reflecting uncertainties in nuclear energy policy and deployment. Importantly, the results highlight the potential of modular small modular reactors to provide flexible, scalable, and carbon-free power tailored to evolving data center demands. By combining SD modeling with nuclear energy scenarios, this study addresses a critical knowledge gap in long-term energy planning for data centers, providing actionable insights for both policymakers and energy system designers.