Date of Award

5-5-2025

Degree Type

Capstone Project

First Advisor

Dr. Bahram Nassersharif

Abstract

This project focuses on repurposing the retired Brayton Point coal plant into a next-generation clean energy facility by integrating a small modular reactor (SMR) to power a 250 MW AI data center. The purpose is to demonstrate a sustainable and technically sound solution that addresses both the rising demand for computational power and the need to decarbonize legacy infrastructure. Our objectives include designing and validating the NuScale SMR process, ensuring reliable integration with existing site assets, maintaining strict safety and licensing standards, and achieving zero net carbon emissions. The scope of work encompasses the complete system design, site retrofit planning, power distribution analysis, and evaluation of the data center’s operational demands, paving the way for a scalable and job-generating energy transition model. Through a site analysis of Brayton Point, research into SMR technologies and AI data centers, engineering analysis, and process design, the team was able to design a Nuclear Power Plant on the decommissioned Brayton Point area that is designed to power both the grid and an AI data center. The plant is powered by the Nuscale Power Module SMR and is proven to be safe and effective through the team’s designs and NRC licensing.

Comments

Sponsor: PPL Corporation

Document Reference: URI-MCE-402-01-2025

Download

Share

COinS