Amazon’s Three Nuclear Energy Projects

Key Takeaways:

• Deals with Energy Northwest, X-energy, and Dominion Energy
• Focus on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
• Committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2040

Amazon’s Nuclear Energy Projects

Amazon has signed three key agreements to develop nuclear energy projects, focusing on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to power its AWS data centers. These projects include:

• Energy Northwest Partnership: Amazon is partnering with Energy Northwest to build 4 advanced Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) near the Columbia Generating Station in Richland, Washington. The first phase will generate 320 MW, with potential expansion to 960 MW.

• Investment in X-energy: Leading a $500 million funding round for X-energy, Amazon is supporting next-gen SMR technology to develop manufacturing and deploy over 5 GW of nuclear energy by 2039.

• Dominion Energy Agreement: Amazon will work with Dominion Energy to explore an SMR project near North Anna Nuclear Power Station in Virginia, providing at least 300 MW of power, crucial for meeting the region’s expected 85% rise in power demand over 15 years.

These initiatives are part of Amazon’s commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. According Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), data centers are expected to account for up to 9% of U.S. electricity demand by 2030. Nuclear energy offers a scalable, carbon-free solution to meet Amazon’s growing power needs sustainably.

Amazon’s Other Plans

Amazon is also helping to preserve existing nuclear reactors and support local communities. In Pennsylvania, co-locating data center next to Talen Energy’s nuclear plant, using carbon-free energy and protecting 900 local jobs. Investment in a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project with Energy Northwest will create up to 1,000 construction jobs and 100+ permanent jobs.