Just two days after Google made a similar announcement, today, Amazon stated it is also investing in nuclear reactors. Both tech giants are looking toward new carbon-free electricity sources to meet the surging energy demand from their data centers and AI.
Amazon will invest over $500 million to develop small modular reactors, already signing an agreement with Dominion Energy, Virginia’s utility company. The plan is part of Amazon’s path to net-zero carbon emissions.
Nuclear energy is considered a climate solution because its reactors do not emit planet-warming greenhouse gases that come from power plants burning fossil fuels like oil, coal, and gas. The global demand for power is increasing as more buildings and vehicles are electrified. Last year, people used more electricity than ever before, putting strain on electric grids worldwide. Data centers and artificial intelligence also contribute significantly to this growing demand.
The International Energy Agency predicts that by 2026, data centers’ total electricity consumption could exceed 1,000 terawatt hours, more than double the 2022 level. It is estimated that one terawatt hour can power 70,000 homes for a year.
Amazon is so far the largest tech company to buy into nuclear power to fuel data-centers.
By CEO NA Editorial Staff
