Amazon Takes A Move Towards Carbon-Free Energy with New Nuclear Power Agreements

In a significant step towards achieving its ambitious sustainability goals, Amazon recently announced three new agreements to support the development of innovative nuclear energy projects. This move comes on the heels of the company achieving 100% renewable energy use for its global operations, well ahead of its initial 2030 target.

Recognizing the ever-growing energy demands of its business and customer base, Amazon is strategically diversifying its clean energy portfolio. Nuclear power offers a compelling solution – it boasts a proven track record of providing reliable, carbon-free energy at scale for decades.

Small Modular Reactors: A Game Changer

A key highlight of the agreements is the focus on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). SMRs are a new generation of nuclear reactors with a smaller footprint compared to traditional plants. This allows for faster construction times and the potential for deployment closer to existing power grids.

Through a collaboration with Energy Northwest, a consortium of public utilities in Washington state, Amazon is enabling the development of four advanced SMRs. These reactors hold the potential to generate a significant amount of clean energy – roughly 320 megawatts (MW) in the initial phase, with the possibility of scaling up to a total of 960 MW. This translates to powering the equivalent of over 770,000 U.S. homes! The project is expected to come online in the early 2030s, significantly contributing to meeting the forecasted energy needs of the Pacific Northwest.

Investing in the Future with X-energy

A model of a small modular reactor designed by X-energy

Amazon’s commitment extends beyond just building new reactors. The company has also made a strategic investment in X-energy, a leading developer of next-generation SMR technology. This investment not only supports the Energy Northwest project but also helps establish manufacturing capabilities for X-energy’s SMR equipment, paving the way for over five gigawatts of potential new nuclear energy projects utilizing their technology.

Dominion Energy Collaboration and Preserving Existing Resources

Another agreement, this time with utility company Dominion Energy, focuses on exploring the development of an SMR project near their existing North Anna nuclear power station in Virginia. This project is expected to provide at least 300 MW of clean power to the region, addressing Dominion’s projected 85% increase in energy demand over the next 15 years.

Amazon is also demonstrating its commitment to preserving existing clean energy sources. A previous agreement with Talen Energy involves co-locating a data center facility next to their nuclear facility in Pennsylvania. This not only secures carbon-free energy for Amazon’s data centers but also helps ensure the continued operation of this existing nuclear power plant.

Benefits Beyond Clean Energy

The economic impact of these projects is another positive aspect. The Energy Northwest project alone is expected to generate thousands of jobs, both during construction and in the long term once operational. Similarly, the Pennsylvania project will create construction jobs and contribute to local infrastructure upgrades.

Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future

By pursuing these innovative nuclear energy projects, Amazon is taking a multi-pronged approach to achieving its sustainability goals. These agreements not only address the company’s growing energy needs but also contribute to a cleaner energy future for local communities and the nation as a whole. With continued progress and investment, Amazon is well on its way to achieving its ambitious goal of net-zero carbon emissions across its operations by 2040.