Proposed UMich Data Center to Support Nuclear Weapons Research

The new facility would aid plutonium pit development at Los Alamos National Lab.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The University of Michigan is planning to build a new data center that will support nuclear weapons research, including plutonium pit development, for Los Alamos National Laboratory, according to reports. The center would house two powerful computers requiring 55 megawatts of electricity.

Why it matters

This proposed data center highlights the ongoing role of universities in supporting sensitive national security research, particularly around nuclear modernization efforts. The partnership between UMich and Los Alamos raises concerns from some about the academic institution's involvement in weapons development.

The details

According to the student-run Michigan Daily, Patrick Fitch, the deputy laboratory director for science, technology and engineering at Los Alamos, said nuclear weapons research, including plutonium pit research, would be a major part of the data center's mission. The facility would house two high-powered computers that require 55 megawatts of electricity.

  • The proposed data center was reported on January 30, 2026.

The players

University of Michigan

A public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Los Alamos National Laboratory

A U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory located in Los Alamos, New Mexico, that conducts research related to national security, including nuclear weapons.

Patrick Fitch

The deputy laboratory director for science, technology and engineering at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

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What they’re saying

“Nuclear weapons research, including plutonium pit research, would be a big part of the planned center's mission.”

— Patrick Fitch, Deputy Laboratory Director for Science, Technology and Engineering, Los Alamos National Laboratory (Michigan Daily)

What’s next

The University of Michigan is expected to make a final decision on the proposed data center in the coming months.

The takeaway

This partnership between a major research university and a national laboratory focused on nuclear weapons development raises concerns about the role of academia in sensitive national security work, particularly around nuclear modernization efforts.