Google has announced a significant agreement to enhance six nuclear power plant sites across the U.S., aiming to bolster electricity generation for its data centers. This 20-year deal with Constellation, the leading U.S. nuclear operator, ensures the financial backing needed for efficiency upgrades at these facilities. The investment amounts to over $4.3 billion, as detailed in the press release.
In the coming five years, the collaboration is expected to yield an additional 890 megawatts of nuclear capacity—comparable to a large new reactor or three small modular reactors. This development comes amid rising energy demands from AI data centers, prompting concerns about the reliability of the PJM grid, which has struggled to meet this growing need.
Additionally, Google has secured a separate, larger 15-year energy supply agreement with Constellation that covers various existing power plants in PJM, irrespective of fuel type. In 2022, Constellation’s generation capacity was primarily nuclear (70%), with renewables accounting for 8% and gas/oil making up 22%.
While the nuclear venture aims to ensure cleaner energy supply, data centers are simultaneously driving an increase in gas infrastructure projects, challenging tech companies’ sustainability efforts. Last year, Google saw an 18% rise in carbon emissions, driven by a 37% surge in energy demand.
