{
  "id": 4135141,
  "title": "Offshore nuclear barges could power ports and data centers—starting with California, where nuclear is banned",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/offshore-nuclear-barges-could-power-ports-and-data-centers-starting",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-29T07:12:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Fortune",
    "slug": "fortune",
    "url": "https://fortune.com/2026/08/29/offshore-nuclear-barges-power-ports-data-centers-california-banned/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The U.S. is exploring the potential of offshore nuclear barges to power coastal facilities, data centers, and merchant ships, with potential applications beginning in California, despite the state's long-standing ban on new nuclear plants. The Port of Long Beach has signed an agreement with the Trump administration to develop next-generation small modular reactors (SMRs) for powering ports, data centers, and vessels. Russia already operates the world's first floating nuclear power station in a barge, providing energy to the remote Arctic town of Pevek. Bluecore Energy, a California-based startup, is working with the port to build SMRs on floating barges, although the project is still years away from reality. Analysts believe offshore nuclear power is a viable option, particularly for military and maritime applications, as the technology is similar to that used in naval submarines and aircraft carriers. The maritime sector accounts for about 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions and could benefit from nuclear power's speed, endurance, and emission-free capabilities. However, significant regulatory hurdles, supply chain development, and safety concerns remain before offshore nuclear power can become a reality in California.",
  "summary": "Offshore nuclear power could potentially power everything from ports and data centers to merchant cargo ships and military fleets.",
  "key_points": [
    "U.S. exploring offshore nuclear barges for coastal facilities and data centers",
    "Port of Long Beach agrees to develop SMRs for ports, data centers, and vessels",
    "Bluecore Energy working on SMRs in floating barges for California"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}