Insight

Could Small Modular Reactors Power the Middle East’s Data Centre Boom?

Client Alerts

In this article published by Data Centre Review, Bader Thabti and Anuja Venkataramani* explore how Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) could help meet the growing energy demands of the Middle East’s expanding data centre market. With the region’s data centre sector expected to nearly double by 2029—driven by AI ambitions, cloud services, and digital transformation—there is increasing pressure to find reliable, carbon-free power sources.

The article examines how SMRs offer a scalable, stable energy solution that aligns with sustainability goals, contrasting on-site SMR deployment with off-site nuclear power purchases. While SMRs present significant advantages in reliability, safety, and modularity, the technology still faces high initial costs and limited operational capacity globally. As data centre growth accelerates, the role of SMRs in the Middle East’s energy strategy is set to become a key discussion point.

Read the full article here

Anuja Venkataramani is a trainee solicitor in the London office.*


This information is provided by Vinson & Elkins LLP for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended, nor should it be construed, as legal advice.

Discover our latest:

Insights

Events

Jenny Speck to Speak on BARBRI Webinar

Partner Jenny Speck will speak on BARBRI’s live video CLE program, “Tax Credit Insurance for Energy Projects: PFE Exclusions, Recapture, …

November 19, 2026

November 19, 2026 • 1-minute read

Events

Kathy Pakenham and Adriana Wirtz to Speak at TEI’s IRS Roundtable

Partners Kathy Pakenham and Adriana Wirtz will examine how a leaner, more data-driven IRS is selecting and conducting large business …

November 19, 2026

November 19, 2026 • 1-minute read

Client Alerts

Single v Multi Contracts in Nuclear Projects: The Size of the Burden

Introduction The construction of nuclear energy projects is complex and capital-intensive, and the contracting structure can significantly affect project delivery, …

November 13, 2026

November 13, 2026 • 6-minute read

Articles

State Attorneys General Widen the Antitrust Battlefield

State attorneys general are moving to the center of antitrust enforcement, with bipartisan coalitions attacking merger settlements, information-sharing arrangements, labor-market …

November 13, 2026

November 13, 2026 • 4-minute read

Events

Jenny Speck to Speak at Lockton U.S. Energy Risk Summit

Partner Jenny Speck will speak at Lockton’s U.S. Energy Risk Summit on November 12, 2026, in Houston, Texas. The summit …

November 12, 2026

November 12, 2026 • 1-minute read

News & Achievements
V&E

Get in Touch

Thoughts or questions? Send us a note, and we’ll connect you with the right person.

The ESG GC: How Your Role as Chief Legal Officer is Integral To Your Company’s ESG Efforts Background Image