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SEATTLE — Amazon signed agreements with three energy companies to support the development of nuclear power.
Amazon's agreements focus on the construction of several small modular reactors (SMRs), which are advanced nuclear reactors with a smaller physical footprint, according to the company.
In comparison to traditional nuclear reactors, Amazon expects the SMRs to be built faster, come online sooner and be located closer to the grid.
Amazon is investing over $500 million in the three projects, according to CNBC.
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Amazon's agreement with Energy Northwest, a consortium of state public utilities, will enable the development of four SMRs. The reactors will be constructed, owned and operated by Energy Northwest. The SMRs are expected to generate roughly 320 megawatts (MW) of capacity in the first phase, with the option to increase to 960 MW total. The projects should come online in the early 2030s.
The Amazon deal with Dominion Energy, a utility company, includes the development of an SMR project near Dominion’s North Anna nuclear power station. The project should deliver 300 MW of power.
Amazon is also investing in X-energy, a developer of SMR reactors and fuel. X-energy’s nuclear reactor design will be used in the Energy Northwest project. The investment includes manufacturing capacity to develop the SMR equipment to support over five gigawatts of nuclear energy.
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