Amazon has announced plans to support the deployment of nuclear energy in Washington State by collaborating with Energy Northwest, a consortium of public utilities. This partnership aims to develop up to 12 advanced nuclear reactors by the early 2030s. Upon completion, Amazon would have the option to purchase electricity from the first phase, which will provide 320 megawatts of power, with additional capacity available for both Amazon and local utilities.
The reactors in question are described as small and modular, which may facilitate easier and more cost-effective deployment compared to traditional nuclear power plants. Illustrations of the proposed facility, named the Cascade Advanced Energy Facility, were shared by Amazon. This facility is designed to include three sections with a combined capacity of 960 megawatts, sufficient to supply electricity to approximately 770,000 homes in the United States. Notably, while traditional reactors of similar capacity may require over a square mile of land, the Cascade facility is anticipated to occupy only a few city blocks.
According to Amazon, the Cascade Advanced Energy Facility is expected to generate around 100 permanent positions and more than 1,000 jobs during the construction phase. However, it is important to note that these next-generation reactors are still under development and will need to undergo a licensing process, meaning that construction is not anticipated to commence until the end of the decade. This initiative represents a significant step in Amazon’s commitment to sustainability and clean energy solutions.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/801257/amazon-nuclear-energy-reactor-first-look