Latest news with #BretKugelmass
Technical.ly
04-03-2025
- Business
- Technical.ly
As data center energy demands surge, Texas taps DC firm's micronuclear tech
Power Moves is a recurring series where we chart the comings and goings of talent across the region. Got a new hire, gig or promotion? Email us at dc@ It's been a busy start to the year in the DMV, especially considering the chaos coming down from the federal government. Through it all, the private sector stayed active. Local firms announced new leadership, headquarters changes and various projects over the last few months. Some of the news has national and international dimensions well beyond the DC region. For instance, Last Energy, a company building micronuclear technology to boost clean energy supplies, is tackling the energy demand from data centers by rolling out 30 microreactors in Haskell County, Texas. Also, College Park-based IonQ acquired one company in Switzerland and partnered with another in South Korea. Keep reading to get the details on those and more regional power moves. DC nuclear energy firm lands Texas data center project Last Energy's deal comes after the firm raised a $40 million Series B in August. The company also has commercial agreements to deploy 80 of its microreactors across Europe, with half of its tech supporting data centers., 'Texas is the energy capital of America, and we are working to be [number one] in advanced nuclear power,' said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in a press release. 'Last Energy's microreactor project in Haskell County will help fulfill the state's growing data center demand. Texas must become a national leader in advanced nuclear energy. By working together with industry leaders like Last Energy, we will usher in a nuclear power renaissance in the United States.' Texas isn't the only state struggling with the energy demands from data centers. In Virginia, home to 'Data Center Alley,' developers are finding ways to cool data centers more efficiently as energy consumption prices increase for consumers. Last Energy has built two prototypes with help from local manufacturers in Texas. It expects its first load of fuel in September 2026. The company is also looking to expand in Utah, per the press release. 'Texas is America's undisputed energy leader, but skyrocketing population growth and data center development is forcing policymakers, customers and energy providers to embrace new technologies,' said Bret Kugelmass, founder and CEO of Last Energy. 'Nuclear power is the most effective way to meet Texas' demand, but our solution — plug-and-play microreactors, designed for scalability and siting flexibility — is the best way to meet it quickly.' IonQ acquires global company and taps new leader The publicly-traded quantum computing company acquired another quantum company in Switzerland. Payment for control of ID Quantique will be issued in common stock, per a press release. IonQ will absorb ID Quantique's team and products once the deal closes. The transaction will bring IonQ's number of patents to nearly 900. The University of Maryland spinout also entered a strategic partnership with South Korean telecommunications provider SK Telecom, which deployed the largest quantum network in South Korea. 'This strategic transaction and the expertise of ID Quantique furthers IonQ's role as a global leader in next generation secure communications,' said Peter Chapman, IonQ's executive chair. 'And once finalized, we expect that our intended strategic partnership with SK Telecom, one of the most powerful technology companies in Asia, will significantly enhance the distribution of IonQ quantum technology, leading to many commercial and technical opportunities.' Besides these international moves, IonQ also made a significant internal one by appointing Niccolo de Masi as its new president and CEO. De Masi most recently led the dMY Squared Technology Group, whose special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) dMY Technology Group III took IonQ public through a SPAC merger in 2021. The executive served on the company's board since that year, too. De Masi also held C-suite positions at publicly traded companies like Monstermob Group in the United Kingdom, Resideo Technologies in Scottsdale and Glu Mobile in San Francisco. 'I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead IonQ during this pivotal moment for quantum computing,' said de Masi in a press release. 'As a longtime evangelist of the quantum industry, I believe wholeheartedly in IonQ's mission and technology.' Local chamber of commerce hires president Lifelong DC resident Chinyere Hubbard began her tenure in February as president of the DC Chamber of Commerce, per an emailed press release. Hubbard previously worked close to local economic development entities, most recently as senior vice president at Events DC. She also served as the Greater Washington Partnership's chief marketing and strategic communications officer. She succeeds Angela Franco, who left the position in August. 'I am honored and excited to lead the DC Chamber of Commerce at this pivotal time,' Hubbard said in a press release. 'We will ensure a thriving business environment for all by working diligently and purposefully to forge relationships between our DC business community, the government and the international community.' More leadership moves: IT contractor moved its headquarters to McLean from Columbia, Maryland, the Washington Business Journal (WBJ) reported. Google is opening a retail store in Georgetown. It's one of the search giant's only brick-and-mortar stores, WTOP reported. Ashburn-based SIM card startup RiPSIM Technologies hired Brenda Boehm to be its CEO. She's worked at Fortune 100 companies like Dell and Cisco, plus startups including Starent Networks and Tango Networks. Bethesda's embattled iLearningEngines laid off all of its employees in February, according to the WBJ. This development comes after the company faced accusations of falsifying revenue and filed for bankruptcy. Data and cyber contractor Core4ce tapped Doug Small, a retired commander of the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, to join its board of advisors. The Maryland Bankers Association hired Tisha Edwards to be its next president and CEO. Edwards will leave her current post in Gov. Wes Moore's cabinet in April, Maryland Matters reported. Consulting firms Crowell Global Advisors and Optima Strategies formed a 'strategic alliance' to improve their services for businesses navigating regulations and economies in Southeast Asia. McLean government consulting firm Deep Water Point and Associates CEO Brooke Smith was appointed to the Professional Services Council's board of directors. The organization is a trade association for government contractors. FiscalNote is divesting two of its portfolio companies, Oxford Analytica and Dragonfly Intelligence, to focus more on its policy products, per the WBJ. Georgetown Business Improvement District appointed Deborah Kerson Bilek as its new CEO. World Wide Technology Public Sector, a DC branch of the AI company, hired Danny Burns as chief technology advisor for its work with intelligence agencies and the Department of Defense.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Last Energy plans 30 microreactors in Texas to meet data centre demand
Micro-nuclear technology developer Last Energy has announced plans to build 30 microreactors in Haskell County, Texas. The initiative aims to serve data centre customers across the state, addressing the increasing power demand. The company has secured control of the 200-acre site and intends to deliver energy through a combination of private wires and grid transmission. The company has already applied for a grid connection with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. Following discussions with local stakeholders, Last Energy will apply for an early site permit from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The move is driven by the recent surge in demand from Texas-based data centre developers over the past year. Last Energy founder and CEO Bret Kugelmass stated: 'Texas is America's undisputed energy leader, but skyrocketing population growth and data centre development is forcing policymakers, customers and energy providers to embrace new technologies. 'Nuclear power is the most effective way to meet Texas' demand, but our solution — plug-and-play microreactors, designed for scaleability and siting flexibility — is the best way to meet it quickly. Texas is a state that recognises energy is a precondition for prosperity, and Last Energy is excited to contribute to that mission.' Last Energy's existing commercial agreements include the delivery of more than 80 microreactors across Europe, with half dedicated to data centres. The Texas project will add 30 units to the company's development capacity, supporting the expansion of its commercial pipeline in the US. The project is expected to enhance grid capacity and meet data centre deployment projections. Texas currently hosts 340 data centres, consuming almost 8GW of power, which accounts for 9% of the state's electricity demand. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said: 'Texas is the energy capital of America, and we are working to be number one in advanced nuclear power. Last Energy's microreactor project in Haskell County will help fulfil the state's growing data centre demand. 'Texas must become a national leader in advanced nuclear energy. By working together with industry leaders like Last Energy, we will usher in a nuclear power renaissance in the United States.' Last Energy's PWR-20 microreactor is designed for mass-manufacturability, allowing scaleability based on user demand. As a founding member of the Texas Nuclear Alliance, Last Energy aims to accelerate nuclear deployment across the state. The company has secured its first full core load of fuel, scheduled for arrival in September 2026. "Last Energy plans 30 microreactors in Texas to meet data centre demand" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Haskell County to host 30 microreactors for Texas data centers
HASKELL COUNTY, Texas () – A micro-nuclear technology developer has announced plans to build 30 microreactors in Haskell County to support Texas' growing data center demands. Last Energy plans to construct 30 microreactors on 200 acres of land, aiming to power data centers across the state through a combination of private wire and grid transmission. The company has already filed for grid connection with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), while the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is currently in pre-application discussions with Last Energy. Roundtable: The opportunities & challenges of Abilene's new AI data campus Texas Governor Greg Abbott welcomed the project, stating: 'Texas is the energy capital of America, and we are working to be No. 1 in advanced nuclear power,' said Governor Abbott. 'Last Energy's microreactor project in Haskell County will help fulfill the state's growing data center demand. Texas must become a national leader in advanced nuclear energy. By working together with industry leaders like Last Energy, we will usher in a nuclear power renaissance in the United States.' Bret Kugelmass, Founder and CEO of Last Energy, emphasized the need for nuclear power to support Texas' rapid growth. 'Texas is America's undisputed energy leader, but skyrocketing population growth and data center development is forcing policymakers, customers, and energy providers to embrace new technologies,' said Bret Kugelmass, Founder and CEO of Last Energy. 'Nuclear power is the most effective way to meet Texas' demand, but our solution — plug-and-play microreactors, designed for scalability and siting flexibility — is the best way to meet it quickly. Texas is a state that recognizes energy is a precondition for prosperity, and Last Energy is excited to contribute to that mission.' The project aims to address the growing power demands of Texas-based data center developers. With more than 340 data centers statewide consuming nearly eight gigawatts of power — about 9% of Texas' total electricity use — the need for reliable energy is only increasing. Grid Strategies reports that data centers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area alone could add another 43 gigawatts of demand in the coming years. MORE DETAILS: Abilene announced for largest AI infrastructure project with $500 billion+ investment Last Energy's PWR-20 reactor, designed for mass production, features a four-loop pressurized water reactor (PWR) capable of producing 20 MWe (megawatt electrical). Reed Clay, President of the Texas Nuclear Alliance, called nuclear energy a key solution for Texas' power demands. 'Texas' growing data center industry will require reliable and resilient power sources that operate 24/7,' said Reed Clay, President of the Texas Nuclear Alliance. 'Nuclear energy is the self-evident solution to the state's growing demand. Last Energy's Haskell County project is a model of how next-generation nuclear can integrate seamlessly into high-demand industries and showcases how innovation can drive both energy security and the future of global connectivity.' Last Energy has already built two full-scale prototypes and hosted demonstrations for industry and government stakeholders. to learn more about the company's plans. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
