Offshore nuclear barges could power ports and data centers-starting with California

Key Points:

• The Port of Long Beach is collaborating with startup Bluecore Energy to develop small modular reactors (SMRs) on floating barges, aiming to provide clean power for ports and AI data centers, though commercial deployment is still years away.
• Experts see offshore nuclear power as a viable future energy source for military, maritime shipping, and coastal communities, with advantages including reduced fossil fuel use and extended refueling intervals for ships.
• The U.S. government and international agencies are advancing regulatory frameworks and technology development for nuclear-powered merchant vessels through initiatives like MARAD's partnership with Core Power and the IAEA's ATLAS program.
• Bluecore Energy plans to leverage water-based real estate and mobile, stackable 10-megawatt reactors to overcome land constraints and safety concerns, despite California's longstanding ban on new nuclear reactors.
• Safety and economic competitiveness remain key challenges, but proponents highlight modern reactor design features, mobility to avoid severe weather, and factory-style manufacturing to reduce costs and improve scalability.