Two 1GW+ SMR Power Stations to Transform Data Center Energy: Standard Power Launches Landmark Nuclear Partnership with NuScale and ENTRA1

The race to decarbonize high-performance computing infrastructure just entered a new chapter. Standard Power has unveiled plans to construct two small modular reactor (SMR)-powered facilities across Ohio and Pennsylvania, collectively delivering nearly 2 gigawatts of carbon-free electricity to fuel next-generation data centers by 2029.

The Scale of Ambition: 24 Reactor Modules Delivering Clean Baseload Power

Standard Power’s vision centers on deploying 24 NuScale Power Modules, each capable of generating 77 megawatts of electricity, for a combined output of approximately 1,848 megawatts across both locations. This represents a pivotal moment for industrial-scale adoption of modular nuclear technology—particularly as artificial intelligence and data center operations continue to drive unprecedented electricity demand.

The two facilities mark a strategic intersection: addressing both the acute energy needs of computing infrastructure and the broader decarbonization imperative facing energy-intensive industries. Unlike intermittent renewable sources, these SMR installations will provide reliable 24/7 baseload power, a critical requirement for data center operations that cannot tolerate supply interruptions.

Why NuScale’s Regulatory-Approved Technology Matters

Standard Power’s selection of NuScale as its technology partner reflects a crucial competitive advantage: NuScale is the sole SMR technology provider to achieve U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission design certification. This regulatory milestone eliminates a major hurdle that has historically delayed SMR commercialization.

NuScale’s modular approach simplifies deployment. Each Power Module is factory-fabricated as a complete unit—no on-site construction required—and operates on conventional nuclear fuel already supported by established regulatory frameworks. This factory-first methodology reduces costs, minimizes schedule risks, and enhances operational consistency compared to traditional large reactor construction.

Strategic Partnership: ENTRA1 Energy Bridges Development and Execution

ENTRA1 Energy enters the arrangement as the exclusive global commercialization partner for NuScale’s SMR technology. ENTRA1 brings specialized expertise in project financing, development, and long-term asset operation across multiple jurisdictions. The company’s global pipeline encompasses several gigawatts of planned capacity powered by NuScale modules, positioning the partnership to scale efficiently.

This collaboration structure allows Standard Power to concentrate on data center operations while leveraging ENTRA1’s infrastructure development capabilities and NuScale’s certified nuclear engineering. Such specialization has proven effective in complex infrastructure projects where technical, financial, and operational expertise must align seamlessly.

Timing the Energy Transition: Why 2029 Matters

Standard Power targets operational status by 2029, a timeline reflecting realistic assessment of regulatory permitting, construction sequencing, and commissioning requirements for nuclear facilities. This delivery window aligns with accelerating semiconductor and AI computing expansion, suggesting strong demand fundamentals for the output.

The two projects will catalyze significant employment in Ohio and Pennsylvania, with Standard Power committing to prioritize union labor during construction phases while funding community education and workforce development initiatives.

The Broader Context: Closing the Baseload Generation Gap

Industry observers recognize an emerging paradox: grid operators face simultaneous retirement of legacy coal and natural gas plants while new baseload capacity remains scarce. Renewable sources address part of the transition but cannot reliably serve continuous-duty applications like data processing without expensive battery storage or geographic load balancing.

Small modular reactors occupy a distinct niche. Their scalability—individual modules can range from 77 to 924 megawatts depending on configuration—suits diverse applications: electricity generation, district heating systems, seawater desalination, and hydrogen production. This flexibility positions SMRs as infrastructure enablers for multiple decarbonization pathways simultaneously.

What’s Next: From Announcement to Commissioning

Both facilities now enter the formal NRC permitting process, a phase typically spanning 2-3 years for novel reactor designs. Standard Power will simultaneously advance site preparation, workforce training, and supply chain development. ENTRA1 and NuScale will provide technical support and regulatory liaison throughout.

Success here would establish a replicable template for data center operators globally seeking to reconcile compute intensity with environmental commitments. The 2029 milestone, while ambitious, reflects growing recognition that decarbonization timelines demand accelerated deployment of available technologies—not continued delays awaiting theoretical alternatives.