With AI-driven data centers fueling demand, North Dakota leaders and regulators in Bismarck are exploring small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced nuclear technologies as a potential path forward.

North Dakota’s power grid is under pressure as industries, households, and the growing AI sector push energy consumption higher. Traditional energy sources—coal, natural gas, and renewables—remain strong, but state leaders are eyeing nuclear as a reliable, carbon-free addition. Small modular reactors are designed to be safer, scalable, and quicker to deploy than conventional nuclear plants, making them a centerpiece in discussions about future energy resilience.

As the state’s decision-making hub, Bismarck plays a key role in shaping North Dakota’s energy future. If SMRs move forward, it could mean:

Jobs: High-skilled employment opportunities in construction, operations, and regulation.

Reliability: More stable electricity supply to power homes, farms, and businesses.

Economic Growth: A stronger grid to attract tech compaLocal tech business leaders welcomed the exploration, noting, “AI and data centers won’t thrive without stable, affordable power. Nuclear could be the solution.”nies, data centers, and manufacturers.

“This is about securing reliable power for the future,” said a North Dakota utility commissioner during a recent Bismarck energy roundtable.

Local tech business leaders welcomed the exploration, noting, “AI and data centers won’t thrive without stable, affordable power. Nuclear could be the solution.”

The conversation around SMRs signals a potential shift in how North Dakota balances growth, sustainability, and energy security. While no decisions are final, the choices made in Bismarck could set the course for decades. For now, residents watch closely as state officials weigh innovation against caution.