We know how much small modular reactors (SMRs) are struggling with costs, which is not a positive sign for ‘new nuclear,’ but recent studies are pointing at niche business cases that might tip the scales in the right direction. Norsk Kjernekraft, a Norwegian energy supplier, is pointing at off-grid AI and data centers as potential demand sources for clean, cheap and steady electricity which can suit SMRs better than grid-scale demand where nuclear would have to battle wind and solar. Norsk is essentially saying that AI and data center electricity demand will rule all energy forecast as conservative and this level of additional power demand could well be mitigated by SMRs in a remote manner, much like Norway’s hydro fleet…