Amazon Plans First Nuclear Power Plant in Washington State

Amazon has announced plans for its first nuclear power plant, the Cascade Advanced Energy Facility, in Washington State. This facility aims to generate up to 960 megawatts of electricity using twelve small modular reactors (SMRs), a step towards meeting increasing energy demands for its data centers and artificial intelligence applications. The initiative underscores Amazon’s commitment to transitioning to carbon-free energy sources.

Located outside Richland, near the existing Columbia Generating Station, the new plant will be developed in collaboration with regional energy provider Energy Northwest and SMR developer X-energy. Amazon’s innovative approach to nuclear energy seeks to enhance its sustainability efforts while addressing the growing power requirements of its operations.

Compact Design and Expansion Potential

One of the key features of the Cascade facility is its compact design. Unlike traditional nuclear power plants that often occupy extensive land areas, the twelve SMR units are designed to fit within a much smaller footprint, estimated to be just a few city blocks. The plant’s total capacity of 960 megawatts will initially consist of four reactor units, each providing 320 megawatts. This phased approach allows for gradual expansion based on future energy needs, with the potential to reach the full capacity of twelve units.

As part of a broader investment strategy, Amazon is leading a funding round of approximately $500 million for X-energy. This Series C-1 investment is aimed at advancing the development and deployment of SMR technology, with plans to realize more than 5 gigawatts of new nuclear energy projects in the United States by 2039.

Job Creation and Training Initiatives

Construction of the Cascade Advanced Energy Facility is scheduled to begin at the end of this decade, with commissioning expected in the 2030s. The project is anticipated to create over 1,000 jobs during its construction phase, alongside more than 100 permanent positions once operational.

To support the workforce for this initiative, the Department of Energy has provided funding to Columbia Basin College in Pasco for an Energy Learning Center. This facility will include a simulator that replicates the control room of X-energy’s Xe-100 reactor, aimed at training specialists in nuclear technology.

Ben Reinke, Vice President of X-energy, emphasized the challenges associated with adopting new technology, stating, “It’s a difficult thing – adopting new technology like this and bringing it to market.” The SMR technology remains in the development phase and must demonstrate its commercial viability before large-scale implementation.

Amazon’s venture into nuclear energy aligns with a growing trend among technology firms. Companies like Google and Microsoft have also invested in nuclear projects to secure sustainable energy for their data centers, reflecting a broader shift towards innovative energy solutions in the tech industry.

As the demand for reliable and clean energy continues to rise, Amazon’s Cascade Advanced Energy Facility represents a significant step in the company’s journey towards a carbon-neutral future.