Amazon funds new nuclear plant in Indiana

Amazon has signed an agreement with X-energy and American Electric Power to fund a new nuclear energy facility in Indiana, according to The Verge. The proposed plant would be built at the site of a retired coal station and could generate up to 960 megawatts of power. The project is a notable step in Big Tech’s effort to secure long-term electricity supplies for data centers, including those supporting AI workloads. The deal reflects a growing concern: AI computing and cloud services require enormous amounts of reliable power, and companies are under pressure to source it without increasing emissions. Renewable energy is expanding, but wind and solar depend on weather and often need storage or backup. Nuclear power offers continuous, low-carbon generation, which makes it attractive for facilities that must run around the clock. Reusing a former coal site can also take advantage of existing grid connections and local infrastructure. For Amazon, backing nuclear generation is about more than publicity. It is an attempt to lock in capacity as electricity demand from data centers rises and grid constraints become harder to manage. The involvement of X-energy brings advanced reactor technology, while American Electric Power adds utility experience. The project will still face regulatory, construction and cost challenges, and nuclear plants take years to develop. But the agreement signals that major technology companies are willing to help finance new generation directly. If it proceeds, the Indiana plant could become a model for how AI-driven power demand is met with low-carbon infrastructure.