Amazon and Google Look to Small Nuclear Reactors for Surge in AI and Data Centers [Video]

Amazon on Wednesday said it will invest in small nuclear reactors (SNRs), two days after Google made a similar announcement.

Both companies are seeking carbon-free sources of electricity to meet increasing demand from artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers.

The new plans follow last month’s announcement by Microsoft that it plans to purchase power for its data centers from the shuttered Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania, reported The Associated Press.

All three tech giants have been investing in wind and solar, but say they need more clean energy to meet emissions reduction commitments and surging demand.

Amazon said it had signed three agreements for the development of SMRs, Reuters reported. The company said it would provide funding for a feasibility study for an SMR project by X-Energy in Washington State.

Amazon will be able to purchase power from four modules under the agreement.

Energy Northwest will have the option of adding as …