Amazon Invests in Small Modular Reactor Construction

Amazon is investing in the construction of the Cascade nuclear power plant, based on Xe‑100 small modular reactors (SMRs).

The Cascade plant will be constructed near the operating Columbia nuclear power plant by Energy Northwest, the public utility in Washington State, in partnership with SMR developer X‑energy.

In the first construction phase, four SMRs will be deployed with an initial capacity of 320 MW, with the possibility of expansion to 12 units totaling 960 MW. Construction is expected to begin by 2029, with operation starting in the 2030s.

According to Amazon, the plant will help the company reduce carbon emissions, support its sustainability goals, and provide the grid with a new source of energy. It will also provide artificial intelligence and digital tools with reliable, safe, 24/7 carbon-free power.