Russia's state nuclear giant is in preliminary talks with the US on reactor-powered data centers, but sanctions stand in the way
Russia’s state nuclear corporation wants to help keep America’s AI servers running. Rosatom is in preliminary discussions with the United States about joint projects that would power data centers with small modular reactors and microreactors.
The disclosure came from Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, on October 16, 2026. Two countries still divided by sanctions are now talking about sharing reactor plans, which counts as an interesting development in a relationship best described as complicated.
What was actually said
Dmitriev made the announcement during Russian Energy Week. He said Rosatom is exploring joint data center projects with the US built around two types of compact nuclear technology.
The first is the small modular reactor, or SMR. The second is the microreactor, which is smaller still. These are designed for situations where a single facility needs its own dedicated, always-on electricity source.
According to the research findings, a concrete list of projects has been suggested, and it would reportedly include several Russian firms. No US partners have been named.
Locations, financing structures and timelines have not been specified either. For now, this is a conversation, not a contract.
Dmitriev was candid about the obstacles. He pointed to barriers created by US sanctions, including restrictions on payments.
Even so, Dmitriev struck a cautiously optimistic tone. He suggested the relationship between the two countries is beginning to thaw.
Rosatom’s bigger nuclear-for-data ambitions
The US talks are not happening in isolation. Rosatom has been building out its own plans for reactors aimed squarely at the data center market.
In June 2026, the company launched a subprogram with MEPhI university to develop ultra-small reactors. These units are designed to produce between 5 and 50 MWe, meaning megawatts of electrical output.
Rosatom’s domestic designs reportedly feature advanced cooling systems and AI-driven management capabilities.
The company has also been pairing data centers with nuclear plants inside Russia since at least 2018.
Rosatom’s commercial targets are ambitious. The company aims to capture 15-20% of the emerging global SMR market by 2030, with a focus on high-demand applications.
Background: an unusual thaw
The data center talks follow a recent agreement between Russia and the US covering diesel fuel exports. Taken together, the two developments point to a slowly expanding economic relationship despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.
What this means
Sanctions and payment restrictions are not paperwork details. They are structural barriers that could keep this initiative stuck at the talking stage indefinitely.
Rosatom’s goal of claiming 15-20% of the global SMR market by 2030 means it is positioning itself as a serious player in a field where many developers want a foothold.
The key things to watch are straightforward. First, whether any US company or agency publicly confirms participation. Second, whether sanctions policy shifts in a way that would allow payments to flow.
Third, whether the diesel agreement turns out to be a one-off or the first step in a broader commercial pattern.
Finally, progress on Rosatom’s domestic microreactor program with MEPhI will indicate whether the company’s 5-50 MWe designs are ready for any partner, foreign or domestic.
