Tech Giants Power Up: Google and Amazon Forge Ahead with Advanced Nuclear Energy Deals

August 18, 2025

Tech giants Google and Amazon are making significant investments in advanced nuclear energy, partnering with developers to secure clean, reliable power for their growing operations. These deals signal a major push towards decarbonization, aiming to meet the increasing energy demands driven by artificial intelligence and data centers while contributing to grid stability.

Tech Titans Embrace Nuclear Power

Google has announced a groundbreaking agreement with Kairos Power to purchase energy from small modular reactors (SMRs). This marks the first corporate agreement for nuclear energy from multiple SMRs, with the initial reactor expected to be operational by 2030 and further deployments through 2035. The partnership aims to provide up to 500 MW of 24/7 carbon-free power to U.S. electricity grids.

Amazon is also expanding its clean energy portfolio through new agreements to support the development of SMR projects. These collaborations include deals with Energy Northwest for four advanced SMRs in Washington, expected to generate up to 960 MW, and with Dominion Energy to explore an SMR project in Virginia, aiming for at least 300 MW. Amazon is also investing in X-energy, a developer of next-generation SMR reactors and fuel.

Key Takeaways

AI Power Demand: The surge in AI technologies is significantly increasing electricity needs for data centers, making reliable, carbon-free energy sources crucial.
SMR Advancement: Small Modular Reactors are highlighted for their smaller footprint, faster build times, and inherent safety features, making them an attractive option for new nuclear deployment.
Decarbonization Goals: Both companies are leveraging nuclear power as a key strategy to achieve their ambitious net-zero and 24/7 carbon-free energy targets.
Economic Benefits: These projects are expected to create jobs and stimulate local economies in the communities where the reactors will be built.

Driving Innovation and Sustainability

Google’s investment in Kairos Power is part of its broader strategy to develop a diverse portfolio of advanced clean electricity technologies, complementing its existing use of solar and wind power. The company emphasizes that advanced nuclear reactors offer a simplified design and robust safety, accelerating deployment and reducing construction timelines.

Amazon’s commitment to nuclear energy is a continuation of its efforts to match its global operations with 100% renewable energy. The company views nuclear power as a scalable, carbon-free energy source essential for meeting growing customer demands and fulfilling its Climate Pledge commitment to be net-zero carbon by 2040. Amazon’s investments also extend to preserving existing nuclear facilities, such as its agreement to co-locate a data center next to Talen Energy’s nuclear facility in Pennsylvania.

Future Outlook

These significant corporate commitments are expected to accelerate the commercialization and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. By aggregating demand from large power consumers, companies like Google and Amazon are providing crucial market signals that can help drive down development costs and enable serial production of new nuclear reactors. This trend underscores the growing recognition of nuclear energy’s role in achieving a clean energy future and supporting the energy-intensive demands of the digital economy.