Amazon Web Services (AWS) is investing over $500 million in nuclear power through three projects across Virginia and Washington state, aimed at meeting the increasing clean energy demands for its expanding services in generative AI. As CNBC reports, this initiative aligns with Amazon’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions. AWS has partnered with Dominion Energy in Virginia to explore the development of a small modular reactor (SMR) near the North Anna nuclear power station. SMRs have a smaller footprint and quicker construction times than traditional reactors, making them a viable option to meet rising electricity needs. Virginia hosts a significant number of data centers, with power demand expected to increase by 85% over the next 15 years.
Additionally, AWS has formed an agreement with Energy Northwest in Washington to fund the development of four SMRs, which will supply power to the grid and support Amazon operations. The SMRs will utilize technology from X-energy, which AWS is also financially backing through a $500 million investment.
With this, Amazon follows in the footsteps of Google.