After Google, Amazon also invests in nuclear reactors, but why ?

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This week, Google formalized an agreement with Kairos Power to purchase energy from small modular reactors in the United States. And, in turn, Amazon is announcing similar initiatives to power its data centers. In Washington state, the digital giant has reached an agreement with Energy Northwest to develop four small modular reactors, or SMRs, which will initially be capable of generating 320 megawatts, but will be able to go up to 960 megawatts.

Amazon is also announcing an investment in X-energy, a company that develops new generations of reactors. The company's technology will also be used for the project with Energy Northwest. And in Virginia, Amazon has signed an agreement with Dominions Energy to “explore development” of SMR projects near that company’s existing sites.

Nuclear Power to Meet AI’s Energy Demand

As artificial intelligence develops, its energy needs continue to increase. However, companies such as Google or Amazon also have very ambitious carbon emission targets. For example, Amazon has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040. “As the energy needs of our company and our customers continue to grow, we continue to invest in renewable energy while seeking additional sources of carbon-free energy that can both help power our operations and bring new energy sources to the grid,” reads Amazon’s press release.

And for this one, nuclear power must be part of this mix. And small modular reactors seem to be the ideal solution for companies like Amazon. The latter explains that these small reactors are more compact and can therefore be built close to the electricity grid. Additionally, these reactors can be built faster, allowing for new energy sources to become available more quickly.

Although it’s less often in the headlines, Amazon is also in the race for generative artificial intelligence. It develops its own AI models, it has invested in a competitor of OpenAI, and its cloud branch offers its infrastructure to companies that exploit AI. Like Google and Microsoft, Amazon therefore anticipates an increase in its energy needs, while it must also respect its commitments in terms of carbon neutrality.

• Google recently announced an agreement with Kairos Power to buy nuclear energy in the United States
• And Amazon has just announced similar agreements to obtain carbon-free electricity from small modular reactors
• These are small reactors that can be installed close to the power grid and can be operational more quickly
• As AI develops, the energy needs of tech giants are increasing
• However, they also have commitments to respect in terms of carbon neutrality

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