SEATTLE, Wash.-Amazon announced a partnership on the development of nuclear power projects, including small modular reactors in Central Washington on Oct. 16.
Amazon will work with Energy Northwest on the SMR’s, nuclear reactors with small physical footprints that can be built close to energy grids, according to an Amazon press release announcing the agreement.
Central Washington to be site of new, small nuclear reactors
“One of the fastest ways to address climate change is by transitioning our society to carbon-free energy sources, and nuclear energy is both carbon-free and able to scale—which is why it’s an important area of investment for Amazon,” the retail giant said in its announcement.
Energy Northwest signed a Joint Development Agreement in 2023. with X-Energy Reactor Company, LLC (“X-energy”) to bring up to 12 small modular nuclear reactors to central Washington, with the first going online by 2030.
Amazon’s agreement with Energy Northwest calls for the development of four SMR’s that will generate 320 megawatts of capacity, with the option to increase to 960 megawatts—enough to power the equivalent of more than 770,000 U.S. homes, according to Amazon.
