Texas Taps Microreactors to Power Data Center Boom

July 16, 2025

Haskell County will host 30 microreactors across 200 acres to power data centers statewide. Developed by Last Energy, the PWR-20 microreactors will deliver 20 MWe each, providing scalable, reliable electricity amid Texas’ surging data center demand. The project is in grid application with ERCOT and under NRC pre-application review.

Key Takeaways

Last Energy plans to deploy 30 PWR-20 microreactors on 200 acres in Haskell County.
Each reactor produces 20 MWe and is designed for plug-and-play scalability.
The project has filed for ERCOT grid connection and is in NRC pre-application stage.
It aims to meet the growing energy needs of over 340 data centers consuming nearly 8 GW.
State officials champion the initiative as a model for advanced nuclear adoption.

Project Overview

Last Energy, a pioneer in micro-nuclear technology, announced plans to construct 30 small modular reactors on a 200-acre site in Haskell County. The company intends to deliver power via private wire and traditional grid transmission. An application for an ERCOT grid connection is underway, and early discussions with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission are in progress.

Microreactor Technology

The PWR-20 is a four-loop pressurized water reactor engineered for mass production and rapid deployment:

Parameter	Specification
Reactor Type	Four-loop Pressurized Water Reactor
Electrical Output	20 MWe
Design	Plug-and-play modular system
Site Footprint	Approx. 6.7 acres per unit

These microreactors feature standardized components and simplified fueling, allowing for scalable power generation tailored to local demands.

Industry And Regulatory Support

Governor Greg Abbott praised the project as a step toward establishing Texas as a leader in advanced nuclear energy. Bret Kugelmass, Last Energy’s CEO, highlighted the urgency of new power solutions amid rapid population and data center growth. Reed Clay of the Texas Nuclear Alliance called the initiative a blueprint for integrating next-generation nuclear into high-demand industries.

Impact On Data Centers And The Grid

More than 340 data centers in Texas draw nearly 8 GW—about 9% of the state’s electricity use.
The Dallas-Fort Worth region alone could see an additional 43 GW of demand in the coming years.
Reliable 24/7 power from microreactors can enhance grid resilience and reduce strain during peak loads.

Looking Ahead

Last Energy has already built two full-scale prototypes and conducted stakeholder demonstrations. Pending regulatory approvals, the Haskell County reactors could begin construction within the next 18 to 24 months, marking a significant advance in the deployment of small modular nuclear technology.