Amazon Web Services (AWS) is ramping up efforts to meet its growing power demands by hiring a principal nuclear engineer. This new role will focus on designing modular nuclear plants, including small modular reactors (SMRs), to power AWS’s cloud infrastructure. The engineer will work with external partners and government agencies to ensure efficient and safe nuclear power integration into AWS data centers.
In March, AWS acquired Talen Energy’s data center campus near the Susquehanna nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania for $650 million. The facility can support up to 960MW of power. This acquisition aligns with AWS’s strategy to secure reliable energy for its expanding data center operations. The nuclear hire will also oversee compliance with regulations and help AWS navigate the complexities of nuclear energy projects.
AWS’s move into nuclear energy mirrors broader trends in the tech industry. Microsoft recently hired nuclear experts, while companies like Oracle and Equinix are exploring similar energy solutions. With rising power demands driven by AI and data processing, nuclear power is seen as a sustainable option.
As the grid faces capacity challenges, AWS’s investment in nuclear power could significantly impact the future of energy for data centers. This strategy helps position AWS at the forefront of innovation, ensuring it can meet both current and future energy needs.
