As global energy demands surge and cloud providers look for sustainable power solutions, Amazon has set its sights on nuclear energy. The tech giant is backing the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), which could offer a lifeline to its growing datacenter operations.
On Wednesday, Amazon revealed plans to support three new nuclear energy projects, including four advanced SMRs in Washington State through its partnership with Energy Northwest.
SMRs, unlike traditional large-scale reactors, are designed to be produced in modules, offering faster build times and the ability to deploy them closer to the grid. Amazon has placed a major bet on X-energy’s SMR technology, supporting its goal of bringing 5 gigawatts of nuclear power online in the U.S. by 2039. This investment aligns with Amazon’s commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
The initial phase of Amazon’s SMR project in Washington will generate 320 megawatts—about a third of the power produced by a conventional reactor. But the company plans to expand the project to 12 reactors, delivering up to 960 megawatts. That’s enough energy to power nearly 770,000 homes, or—hypothetically—fuel the massive power needs of Amazon’s growing fleet of AI-powered datacenters.
Amazon isn’t the only tech titan chasing nuclear energy. Microsoft and Google have announced similar plans, betting on SMRs and fusion technology to overcome power limitations. However, long development times and regulatory hurdles still present challenges for SMR adoption.
For now, Amazon continues to explore nuclear power while waiting for these mini reactors to deliver on their promise of clean, reliable energy.
