- AWS is investing over $500M to develop small modular reactors (SMRs) in collaboration with Dominion Energy and other partners.
- SMRs are part of Amazon’s strategy to meet the rising energy demands of its data centers, driven by the expansion of generative AI while working towards net-zero carbon emissions.
- Amazon joins other major tech companies like Google and Microsoft in leveraging nuclear power to fuel energy-intensive operations.
Amazon Web Services (AMZN) is entering nuclear energy with a $500M investment in a partnership with Dominion Energy to develop small modular reactors (SMRs).
According to CNBC, AWS’s need for clean, reliable energy is rising due to the increasing demands for generative AI and cloud computing.
Why SMRs?
SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors with a smaller footprint and faster construction times, making them a promising solution for energy-hungry data centers.
AWS’s collaboration with Dominion includes plans to build an SMR near the North Anna nuclear power station in Virginia, which could generate at least 300 megawatts of power for the region.
Embrace Nuclear Power
Amazon is the latest tech giant to tap into nuclear energy, joining Google (GOOGL) and Microsoft (MSFT) in exploring SMR technology to fuel massive data operations.
Earlier this year, Google announced a partnership with SMR developer Kairos Power, and Microsoft is working with Constellation Energy to power its data centers.
Path to Net-Zero
This nuclear investment aligns with Amazon’s broader push for net-zero carbon emissions. AWS also partnered with Energy Northwest to develop additional SMRs in Washington state and has backed X-energy, a leading SMR developer, through its Climate Pledge Fund.
What’s Next?
With nuclear power emerging as a key player in the clean energy mix, Amazon’s investments could help set a new standard for sustainable energy solutions in the tech industry.
Looking forward, AWS plans to invest $35B by 2040 to expand its data center presence in Virginia.
