Amazon, Google and Microsoft All Go Nuclear to Power A.I. Ambitions: What to Know

Here's a look at some of the biggest nuclear energy deals struck by Big Tech companies thus far:

Amazon bets on next-generation nuclear plants

Amazon's new agreements will see Amazon Web Services (AWS), the company's cloud computing subsidiary, invest in the development of four SMRs from Energy Northwest, a Washington-based regional utility. Amazon would have the right to purchase energy from the reactors, which are expected to generate 320 megawatts of capacity initially and potentially expand to 960 megawatts in total—enough energy to power more than 770,000 homes in the U.S.

Through its Climate Pledge Fund, Amazon is additionally investing in X-Energy, an SMR developer whose design will be used in the Energy Northwest project. And in Virginia, AWS also signed an agreement to support utility company Dominion Energy as it explores developing an SMR near its existing North Anna nuclear power station. The initiative could bring at least 300 megawatts of power to the region, according to Amazon. "Nuclear is a safe source of carbon-free energy that can help power our operations and meet the growing demands of our customers," said Matt Garman , CEO of AWS, in a statement.

This isn't Amazon's first foray into nuclear power. Last year, AWS struck a $650 million deal with Talen Energy to acquire a nuclear-powered data center in Salem Township, Penn., and purchase energy from the company's existing nuclear station.

Google to purchase power from Kairos Energy

On Oct. 14, the Alphabet-owned company revealed its purchase power agreement with the SMR developer Kairos Power. The agreement will see Google acquire nuclear energy from "multiple" reactors, according to the company, which said the SMRs are expected to go live by 2030 with more to come by 2035.

In total, the deal should bring some 500 megawatts of power to the grid. " We believe that nuclear energy has a critical role to play in supporting our clean growth and helping to deliver on the progress of A.I.," said Michael Terrell, Google's senior director for energy and climate, on a call with reporters.

Like in the case of Amazon, Google's SMR ambitions will be subject to regulatory approval. Only three SMRs are currently operational in the world, with zero located in the U.S.

Microsoft wants to reopen Three Mile Island

Microsoft decided to go down a more traditional route. In August, the company signed an agreement to acquire power from one of the units at Three Mile Island in Middletown, Penn., which was the site of an infamous partial reactor meltdown in 1979.

Microsoft's agreement with Constellation Energy, owner of the plant, would see the unit not involved in the incident reopen. Shuttered since 2019, the unit's revival would take place in 2028 and provide Microsoft with 835 megawatts.