---
title: "Nuclear breakthrough for data centers: ARC and INL launch the first ARC-100 small modular reactor"
description: "ARC Clean Technology and the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) have joined forces to launch the first ARC-100 small modular reactor. 🏭⚡ The project aims to provide stable energy for data centers and AI infrastructure. Successful tests will serve as proof of the technology's readiness for commercial deployment. 🤖🇺🇸"
date: 2026-08-04T00:23:38.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/nuclear-breakthrough-for-data-centers-arc-and-inl-launch-the-first-arc-100-small-modular-reactor
tags: [arc-clean-technology, arc-100, idaho-national-laboratory, inl, smr]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Nuclear breakthrough for data centers: ARC and INL launch the first ARC-100 small modular reactor

![Rendering of the ARC-100 small modular nuclear reactor by ARC for data center power](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/04/arc-100-i-inl-zapuskaet-pervyy-malyi-modulnyy-reaktor/arc-100-i-inl-zapuskaet-pervyy-malyi-modulnyy-reaktor-1.webp)

The world of energy technologies is approaching a critical milestone. ARC Clean Technology, a company specializing in innovative nuclear solutions, has entered into a strategic agreement with the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The goal of this ambitious partnership is to support the first-ever deployment of the ARC-100 small modular reactor. The laboratory is managed by the Battelle Energy Alliance consortium, which possesses immense experience in the nuclear industry.

### Full-cycle project support

The collaboration between ARC and INL covers the entire lifecycle of the future reactor. This is not just a one-time consultation, but comprehensive support: from detailed design and site preparation to commissioning. The partners will also take on issues related to the subsequent operation of the unit, and if necessary, its decommissioning or conversion.

The key task at the initial stage will be to reduce technical risks. Before the start of construction, licensing, and commercial implementation, INL specialists will utilize the laboratory's powerful infrastructure. Support will include:

- Engineering expertise and computer modeling;

- Material evaluation and testing under radiation exposure;

- Safety analysis and site preparation;

- Commissioning support for the reactor.

It is important to note that each individual task within this large-scale project will be carried out only after official approval by the U.S. Department of Energy.

### Experience and infrastructure

The current agreement expands the interaction that began under the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Reactor Concepts 2020 program. Previously, laboratory specialists had already participated in fuel design, conducted probabilistic safety analysis, and interacted with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

Key INL facilities will be utilized to conduct critical tests, including the Advanced Test Reactor, the Transient Reactor Test Facility, and the Materials and Fuels Complex.

### Energy for artificial intelligence

The ARC-100 reactor is being developed as a compact small modular reactor. Its main mission is to ensure stable electricity generation for facilities with 24/7 uninterrupted energy consumption. Primarily, this includes data centers and artificial intelligence infrastructure, which require enormous power.

A successful demonstration of the reactor at the national laboratory will be a turning point. It will provide technical and operational confirmation of the technology's readiness for commercial implementation and the realization of foreign projects, demonstrating the prospects of nuclear technologies in service of the digital economy.