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Talen Energy and Amazon Partner on Nuclear Power Deal to Fuel AWS Data Centers

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U.S. utility Talen Energy announced an expanded partnership with Amazon to supply up to 1,920 megawatts of carbon-free electricity from its Susquehanna nuclear plant in Pennsylvania to Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centers. The long-term agreement, lasting until 2042, provides Talen with a stable revenue stream while supporting Amazon’s growing energy needs for AI and cloud operations.

Both companies are also exploring the construction of new Small Modular Reactors within Talen’s Pennsylvania footprint and considering expanding the existing nuclear plant’s capacity. This deal comes amid rising U.S. electricity demand for data centers and AI workloads—the first increase in two decades—pushing Big Tech firms to secure reliable and sustainable power sources.

Earlier this month, Constellation Energy reached a similar deal with Meta Platforms to keep an Illinois nuclear reactor operational for 20 more years.

Following the announcement, Talen Energy shares rose nearly 8% in premarket trading.

Kevin Miller, AWS vice president of global data centers, highlighted the investment’s local economic impact, calling it the largest private sector investment in Pennsylvania’s history with $20 billion committed and 1,250 high-skilled jobs created. Miller also emphasized AWS’s commitment to powering its infrastructure with carbon-free energy through this collaboration.

Why Tech Giants Are Turning to Nuclear Power to Meet Energy Demands

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The tech industry’s growing appetite for energy, driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing, is pushing global electricity demands to unprecedented levels. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, global electricity usage could increase by up to 75% by 2050, with tech companies’ AI ambitions serving as a significant factor.

Data centers supporting AI and cloud computing are becoming massive energy consumers, rivaling the electricity demands of entire cities. For instance, Mark Nelson, managing director of Radiant Energy Group, explained, “A new data center that needs the same amount of electricity as, say, Chicago, cannot just build its way out of the problem unless they understand their power needs—steady, 100% power, 24/7, 365 days a year.”

To address these growing demands while staying committed to sustainability goals, tech giants like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta are increasingly investing in nuclear power. Nuclear energy offers a scalable, carbon-free, and always-on solution that complements intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar.

Michael Terrell, Google’s senior director of energy and climate, emphasized the advantages of nuclear energy: “It’s a carbon-free source of electricity. It’s a source of electricity that can be always on and run all the time. And it provides tremendous economic impact.”

For years, nuclear energy faced setbacks due to safety concerns, fears of meltdowns, and widespread misinformation. However, the energy landscape is shifting. Experts believe that tech companies’ investments could spark a “nuclear revival,” providing a sustainable energy pathway for both the tech industry and broader society.

As AI and data-driven technologies continue to expand, nuclear power may become an integral part of the energy transformation necessary to meet the rising demands of the digital era.

 

Dominion Energy Explores Small Nuclear Reactors Following Amazon Agreement

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Dominion Energy is engaging in discussions with various technology companies about the development of small modular nuclear reactors, following a recent agreement with Amazon aimed at advancing this next-generation technology.

During the company’s third-quarter earnings call on Friday, Dominion CEO Robert Blue expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, “It’s very encouraging to see large power users, including technology companies, express a willingness to invest, partner and collaborate to bring this exciting base load carbon-free technology into fruition.”

Dominion and Amazon have established a memorandum of understanding to investigate the feasibility of developing a small modular reactor at the utility’s North Anna nuclear station in Louisa County, Virginia. This reactor is expected to generate 300 megawatts of power, contributing significantly to the state’s energy supply.

Virginia is recognized as one of the most supportive states for nuclear energy, enjoying robust bipartisan backing for initiatives focused on next-generation nuclear technologies. Blue noted that the utility’s reputation as a reliable nuclear operator makes it an attractive partner for large customers interested in collaborating on these innovations.

In addition to Amazon, Dominion is in talks with other tech firms, reflecting a growing trend among technology companies to invest in nuclear power. These companies are seeking carbon-free, dependable electricity to meet the rising energy demands of their AI-driven data centers. Notably, Dominion serves the largest data center market in the world, located in northern Virginia.

Earlier this year, Amazon made headlines by acquiring a data center campus from Talen Energy, which will be powered by the Susquehanna nuclear plant in Pennsylvania. Additionally, Microsoft has secured a power purchase agreement from Three Mile Island, as Constellation Energy plans to restart the plant by 2028. In a similar vein, Alphabet’s Google recently agreed to purchase power from Kairos Power, a startup focused on small modular reactor development.

Small modular reactors are touted for their potential to lower capital costs and expedite the construction of nuclear facilities. Their compact design allows for easier site selection, and they promise a streamlined manufacturing process. However, the technology has faced challenges in reaching commercial viability, with no operational small modular reactor currently in the United States.