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AI’s Power Crunch Spurs Mexico–U.S. Push to Test Small Nuclear for Data Centers

A Mexico–U.S. agreement to study small nuclear units for data centers signals a pivot to round-the-clock power to keep up with AI.

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Overview

  • Mexico’s Bleeding Edge Technologies and the U.S. firm Hadron Energy signed a letter of intent to evaluate small modular reactors as dedicated power for high-demand digital infrastructure in Mexico, North America, and Europe.
  • The companies say compact, prefabricated reactors could provide 24/7 electricity at data center sites, though any deployment would hinge on regulatory and legal feasibility in each market.
  • The International Energy Agency reports data centers used about 415 TWh of electricity in 2024 and projects consumption could reach roughly 945 TWh by 2030.
  • Morgan Stanley research estimates generative AI’s power needs will grow around 70% annually through 2027, intensifying near-term pressure on data center operations.
  • Regional analysts highlight both grid and consumer cost impacts and a Latin American buildout, with studies citing rising U.S. household bills and 2025 projects over 50 MW in the region, alongside calls for Baja California to leverage sizable solar and wind potential through faster permitting and new transmission.