Amazon’s Nuclear Ambition Takes Shape
Amazon is pushing forward with plans to integrate small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) into its energy portfolio, according to recent reports. The tech giant has partnered with X-Energy to develop the Cascade Nuclear Energy Center in Richland, Washington, which sources indicate could eventually supply up to 960 megawatts of power. This initiative represents a significant step in Amazon’s strategy to secure clean, reliable energy for its expanding cloud and data center operations.
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Project Timeline and Phased Deployment
The report states that construction on the Cascade Nuclear Energy Center is not expected to begin until the end of the decade, with operations likely commencing in the 2030s. The project will unfold in three phases, each adding 320 megawatts of capacity using X-Energy’s 80-megawatt Xe-100 reactors. For context, analysts suggest that a large-scale supercomputer like xAI’s Colossus can draw approximately 300 megawatts under full load, highlighting the substantial energy demands of advanced computing infrastructure.
Regulatory and Technical Hurdles
Despite Amazon’s confidence, the project faces significant obstacles. X-Energy’s SMR technology has not yet received approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, a necessary step before construction can begin. Additionally, the report states that SMRs, while promoted as smaller and more cost-effective than traditional reactors, remain unproven at scale. One early SMR project reportedly encountered higher-than-expected operating costs, underscoring the uncertainties surrounding this emerging technology.
Broader Industry Shift to Nuclear Power
Amazon is not alone in exploring nuclear solutions for energy-intensive operations. Oracle has announced plans to deploy SMRs for a gigawatt-scale reactor, while Google-backed Kairos Power is developing a 50MW molten salt reactor in Tennessee. According to reports, Kairos has already secured NRC approval for its Hermes 2 demonstrator, potentially positioning it ahead of competitors in the race to operational small modular reactor technology.
Backup Plans and Existing Nuclear Investments
While betting on SMRs, Amazon and other cloud providers are also turning to conventional nuclear sources. Amazon recently acquired Cumulus Data’s atomic data centers located near the 2.5-gigawatt Susquehanna plant in Pennsylvania, a deal reportedly valued at $650 million. Similarly, Microsoft is financing the restart of Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island Unit-1 reactor, which is expected to resume operations in 2027. These moves reflect a broader industry trend toward sustainable energy solutions that support cloud computing growth.
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Strategic Partnerships and Long-Term Vision
Amazon and X-Energy have enlisted South Korea’s Doosan Enerbility and Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power to support SMR deployment across the U.S. The partnership aims to deploy 5 gigawatts of X-Energy reactors by 2039, signaling a long-term commitment to atomic power. According to Amazon’s sustainability page, the company views SMRs as critical to achieving its clean energy goals while meeting the power demands of its global operations.
Industry and Market Implications
The push toward nuclear energy comes as tech companies grapple with the immense electricity requirements of AI and data processing. Reports of Amazon’s nuclear expansion and related infrastructure bets highlight how industry leaders are addressing these challenges. Meanwhile, AI’s societal impact and environmental costs are driving demand for innovative energy solutions. As Amazon and others navigate emerging technology risks and market trends, the success of their nuclear ventures could reshape the energy landscape for decades to come.
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