Can retired nuclear reactors power Europe's AI revolution?

Global Watch | 2026-01-09

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries and economies, one of its most pressing challenges is energy. AI is no longer just about algorithms, chips and data, it is about the infrastructure required to sustain its exponential growth.

In Europe, where energy security and sustainability are paramount, the question is not whether AI will demand more power, but how that demand can be met without compromising environmental goals or economic stability.

Europe has an opportunity to leverage existing technologies and resources to address this challenge. One intriguing possibility is repurposing retired nuclear reactors, an idea that has gained traction in the United States and could offer valuable lessons for European policymakers.

AI's energy appetite

Modern AI systems are massive, energy-intensive operations. A single large data center can consume as much electricity as a major city, and as AI adoption accelerates, the strain on Europe's power grids will only grow.

While renewable energy sources like wind and solar are critical to Europe’s long-term strategy, they face limitations in scalability and reliability, particularly for the round-the-clock power demands of AI infrastructure.

Nuclear energy, with its ability to provide consistent, high-output power, offers a potential solution.

However, building new nuclear plants in Europe is often slow, expensive, and politically contentious. Regulatory hurdles, public skepticism, and long construction timelines make this approach challenging in the short term.

Instead, Europe could explore repurposing existing or retired nuclear assets to meet AI's energy needs.

Lessons from the United States

In the United States, proposals to repurpose retired Navy nuclear reactors for civilian use have sparked interest at the highest levels of government. These reactors, originally designed to power aircraft carriers and submarines, are being considered as energy sources for AI data centers.

The logic is simple -- these reactors are already built, paid for and proven to operate safely under extreme conditions.

For Europe, the concept of reuse aligns with its emphasis on sustainability and resource efficiency. Repurposing existing nuclear infrastructure could reduce costs, accelerate deployment and minimize the environmental impact associated with new construction.

It also offers a way to bridge the gap between AI's energy demands and Europe's commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

Advancing technology

Europe's nuclear sector has long been a leader in innovation, from advanced reactor designs to waste management solutions.

By applying this expertise to the AI energy challenge, Europe could develop tailored solutions that integrate nuclear power with emerging technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced cooling systems for data centers.

Europe's focus on digital sovereignty and secure infrastructure makes the case for nuclear-powered AI systems even stronger.

Unlike fossil fuels or imported energy, nuclear power offers a domestically controlled, scalable option for powering critical technologies. This aligns with Europe's broader goals of reducing dependency on external energy sources and ensuring the resilience of its digital economy.

A strategy for future generations

Repurposing retired nuclear reactors is not just a technical solution, it is a strategic one.

For Europe, this approach could address multiple priorities simultaneously meeting AI's energy demands, advancing sustainability goals and strengthening energy independence. It also reflects a broader need to rethink how existing technologies can be adapted to solve emerging challenges.

The idea of repurposing retired nuclear reactors for AI data centers is not without challenges.

Public acceptance, regulatory approval and technical adaptation will require careful planning and transparent communication. Nevertheless, the benefits of reduced costs, accelerated timelines and enhanced energy security make this approach worth exploring.

For Europe, the future of AI energy strategy lies not in reinventing the wheel but in advancing the technologies and resources already at its disposal. By embracing innovation through reuse, Europe can meet the demands of the AI era while staying true to its values of sustainability, efficiency and resilience.