Key Impact Points:
- Amazon and Google are investing in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to meet growing energy demands and advance toward their net-zero carbon commitments.
- These advanced nuclear projects are expected to create jobs, support local economies, and provide scalable, reliable carbon-free energy.
- Both companies aim to accelerate the clean energy transition by incorporating SMRs as a critical component of their future energy strategies.
Google’s clean energy push with SMRs
Google is making strides in the clean energy sector by signing a groundbreaking corporate agreement with Kairos Power to purchase nuclear energy from Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). These advanced nuclear reactors will provide up to 500 MW of 24/7 carbon-free power by 2035, contributing to Google’s ambitious goal of powering its global data centers and offices with round-the-clock clean energy.
“Nuclear solutions offer a clean, round-the-clock power source that can help us reliably meet electricity demands with carbon-free energy every hour of every day,” Google explained in its announcement.
Google’s partnership with Kairos Power focuses on accelerating the deployment of SMRs to help decarbonize U.S. electricity grids. The technology’s modular design and molten-salt cooling system allow for faster construction times and more efficient power generation. With Kairos Power already breaking ground on its demonstration reactor in Tennessee, Google is positioning itself as a leader in the shift toward advanced nuclear energy.
Amazon’s nuclear energy investments
Amazon is also heavily investing in SMR technology, signing agreements with Energy Northwest, X-energy, and Dominion Energy to bring new nuclear power sources online in Washington and Virginia. These projects are expected to provide up to 1,280 MW of carbon-free energy, contributing significantly to Amazon’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
“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 Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Amazon’s partnerships will not only reduce the company’s carbon footprint but also support local economies by creating thousands of construction and permanent jobs. The SMR projects in Washington and Virginia are expected to generate clean energy to meet future regional energy demands, helping the Pacific Northwest and Virginia meet projected increases in electricity needs.
Driving economic and environmental benefits
Both Amazon and Google recognize the economic and environmental benefits of advanced nuclear technology. Google’s collaboration with Kairos Power is designed to accelerate reactor deployments, lower costs, and drive more communities toward carbon-free energy. Similarly, Amazon’s investments are creating a significant boost to local economies, with thousands of jobs expected to be generated from construction and operation of these nuclear facilities.
By investing in SMRs, both companies are leading the way in transforming the tech industry’s approach to energy sustainability. These projects highlight the potential of advanced nuclear energy to support net-zero goals while also benefiting local communities and economies.
As nuclear energy continues to play an increasingly important role in the clean energy landscape, Amazon and Google are setting the standard for how technology companies can drive the future of carbon-free power.
