Story perspectives

Amazon Expands Nuclear Project for Carbon-Free Data Centers

10/17/2025

Summary

Story summary

Amazon.com, Inc. will expand Cascade Advanced Energy Facility in Washington state to include up to 12 small modular reactors developed by X-energy.
The expanded facility will have a capacity of 960 megawatts.
The project will provide carbon-free energy for Amazon's data centers.
Construction is to begin by 2030, with operations in the 2030s.
The project supports Amazon's goal to deploy over 5 gigawatts of nuclear energy nationwide by 2039.

History

Historical Context

The 1979 Three Mile Island accident significantly impacted nuclear energy perceptions in the U.S., prompting the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to enforce stricter regulations and curtail new projects. In contrast, Amazon's recent proposal to expand the Cascade Advanced Energy Facility with 12 modular reactors aims to generate 960 megawatts of carbon-free power, reflecting a renewed interest in nuclear energy amidst a global shift towards sustainable solutions.

1 of 2

Story summary

Amazon.com, Inc. will expand Cascade Advanced Energy Facility in Washington state to include up to 12 small modular reactors developed by X-energy.
The expanded facility will have a capacity of 960 megawatts.
The project will provide carbon-free energy for Amazon's data centers.
Construction is to begin by 2030, with operations in the 2030s.
The project supports Amazon's goal to deploy over 5 gigawatts of nuclear energy nationwide by 2039.

1 / 2