Amazon has announced new investments and ambitious agreements to support the development of small nuclear reactors in the United States to meet its energy needs necessary to operate its growing data centers. This move is part of Amazon’s strategy to reduce its carbon footprint and enhance sustainability by harnessing carbon-free nuclear energy.
Small nuclear reactors, which are considered a promising solution for clean electricity generation on a smaller scale compared to traditional nuclear power plants, are a strategic choice for Amazon. The company has signed a cooperation agreement with the “Energy Northwest” alliance in Washington State to fund preliminary feasibility studies to build four small nuclear reactors by early next decade, near an existing nuclear plant.
This agreement allows Amazon to access 320 megawatts of electricity with the possibility of increasing it to 960 megawatts, enough energy to power over 700,000 homes. Amazon also has the right to purchase the electricity produced from the project, which includes four reactors with a capacity of 320 megawatts, with the option to expand the project to include 8 additional units for a total energy capacity of 960 megawatts.
Amazon did not stop there. It led a funding round worth $500 million for X-energy, which is developing designs for small nuclear reactors. With this funding, X-energy aims to complete designs and obtain the necessary licenses to build a fuel manufacturing facility in Tennessee, with the goal of generating 5000 megawatts of clean energy by 2039.
Furthermore, Amazon has signed an agreement with Dominion Energy in Virginia to explore the possibility of establishing a small nuclear reactor next to an existing power plant, enhancing the state’s ability to meet the increasing demand for electricity over the next 15 years.
Amazon’s interest in nuclear energy reflects a new trend among major tech companies towards sustainable and renewable energy sources. At a time when data centers require massive amounts of electricity, small nuclear reactors offer a sustainable and stable solution compared to solar and wind energy, which may face fluctuations.
