Amazon is Going Nuclear [Video]

Amazon has signed agreements to support the development of next-generation nuclear reactors, known as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), as part of its effort to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.

We've signed three new agreements to support the development of nuclear energy projects—including enabling the construction of several new Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). SMRs are an advanced kind of nuclear reactor with a smaller physical footprint, allowing them to be built closer to the grid. They also have faster build times than traditional reactors, allowing them to come online sooner.

"Nuclear is a safe source of carbon-free energy that can help power our operations and meet the growing demands of our customers, while helping us progress toward our Climate Pledge commitment to be net-zero carbon across our operations by 2040," said Matt Garman, CEO of Amazon Web Services (AWS). "One of the fastest ways to address climate change is by transitioning our society to carbon-free energy sources, and nuclear energy is both carbon-free and able to scale—which is why it's an important area of investment for Amazon. Our agreements will encourage the construction of new nuclear technologies that will generate energy for decades to come."




In Washington, Amazon has partnered with Energy Northwest, a consortium of state utilities, to develop four Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Energy Northwest will build, own, and operate the reactors, which will generate 320 megawatts (MW) in the first phase, with the potential to increase to 960 MW—enough to power over 770,000 homes. The reactors are expected to meet energy needs in the Pacific Northwest by the early 2030s. The project will create up to 1,000 temporary construction jobs and as many as 100+ permanent jobs.

Amazon is also investing in X-energy, which will supply advanced SMR designs and manufacturing capacity for over five gigawatts of nuclear energy projects, including the Energy Northwest project.

In Virginia, Amazon and Dominion Energy are working on an SMR project near the North Anna nuclear station. The project will provide at least 300 MW of power to meet growing regional demand, which Dominion expects to rise by 85% in the next 15 years.


Amazon previously signed an agreement to co-locate a data center facility next to the Talen Energy's nuclear facility in Pennsylvania, which will directly power its data centers and help preserve this existing reactor.

More details in the video below...