In a significant move towards sustainable energy, major tech companies are investing heavily in nuclear power to meet the growing demands of their data centers, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence. [1, 2] Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced investments exceeding $500 million in small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) across Virginia and Washington state. [2] These reactors, which are yet to receive regulatory approval, promise a smaller footprint and faster construction times compared to traditional nuclear plants, making them an attractive option for tech giants seeking reliable, carbon-free energy sources. [1, 2, 3, 4] AWS's agreements include partnerships with Dominion Energy in Virginia and Energy Northwest in Washington. [1, 2] The collaboration with Dominion Energy aims to explore SMR development near the North Anna Nuclear Generating Station, addressing the increasing power demands of Virginia's data centers, particularly in the region known as Data Center Alley. [1, 2] AWS anticipates that these SMRs will contribute at least 300 megawatts of power to the area, supporting its ambitious goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions. [1, 2] Similarly, Google has committed to purchasing power from SMR developer Kairos Power, marking its first foray into nuclear energy as part of its strategy to achieve 24/7 carbon-free energy. [2] Google emphasizes the importance of nuclear power as a consistent energy source, complementing its extensive investments in wind and solar energy. [1, 2, 3, 4] Meanwhile, Constellation Energy plans to reopen the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant, infamous for the worst nuclear accident in U.S. history, to supply Microsoft with the energy needed for its AI-driven data centers. [1, 2, 4] This initiative underscores the increasing role of AI in reshaping the energy landscape, with projections indicating that by 2030, data centers could consume 17% of the U.S. energy output. [2, 3, 4] These strategic investments highlight the tech industry's commitment to sustainable energy solutions, leveraging advanced nuclear technology to meet the escalating power demands of AI and data centers while striving for carbon neutrality. [2, 3]
