Tech Giants Amazon and Google Back Nuclear Energy Expansion

In a groundbreaking move, Amazon and Google have joined forces with other major tech companies to support the tripling of global nuclear energy capacity by 2050. This pledge, announced on the sidelines of CERAWeek 2025 in Houston, underscores the growing recognition of nuclear power as a critical component in the fight against climate change and the quest for energy security.

The decision by these tech giants to back nuclear energy is driven by several strategic motivations. Firstly, both companies are significant energy consumers, particularly for powering their vast data centers. Nuclear energy offers a reliable and continuous source of clean electricity, which is essential for the uninterrupted operation of these facilities. As Dr. Sama Bilbao y León, Director General of the World Nuclear Association, noted, "Leadership requires a clear-eyed assessment of the here and now, but also the foresight to prepare for what the world will need not only in 2050, but in the decades after."

Secondly, this move aligns with their broader corporate sustainability goals. Both Amazon and Google have set ambitious targets to reduce their carbon footprints and achieve net-zero emissions. Nuclear energy, being a clean and reliable source of power, helps them meet these targets. For instance, X-energy, who recently partnered with Amazon to power data centers, has made significant progress in deploying its Xe-100 reactor with other industrial applications. This partnership underscores the strategic importance of nuclear energy in achieving their sustainability goals.

The involvement of major tech companies like Amazon and Google in supporting nuclear energy could significantly influence public perception and acceptance. These companies are known for their commitment to sustainability and climate action, which can lend credibility to nuclear energy as a viable solution for clean and reliable power. For instance, Amazon has partnered with X-energy to power data centers using nuclear energy, demonstrating their confidence in the technology's ability to provide continuous clean electricity. This high-profile endorsement can help shift public opinion by associating nuclear energy with trusted and forward-thinking brands.

However, these companies may face several challenges in their endeavor to promote nuclear energy. One significant challenge is the historical stigma associated with nuclear accidents, such as Chernobyl and Fukushima, which have left a lasting negative impression on many people. Tech companies will need to address these concerns by emphasizing the advancements in safety measures and the rigorous regulatory standards that govern modern nuclear power plants.

Another challenge is the potential backlash from environmental groups that oppose nuclear energy due to concerns about radioactive waste and the risk of proliferation. Tech companies will need to engage in open dialogue with these stakeholders and provide transparent information about the benefits and risks of nuclear energy. For instance, they can highlight the role of nuclear energy in avoiding carbon emissions, as nuclear reactors helped avoid 2.1 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from equivalent coal generation in 2023.

Additionally, tech companies may face criticism for their perceived hypocrisy if they continue to rely on fossil fuels while advocating for nuclear energy. They will need to demonstrate a genuine commitment to transitioning to clean energy sources and reducing their overall carbon footprint. For example, they can set ambitious targets for decarbonizing their operations and investing in renewable energy sources alongside nuclear power.

The specific technological advancements and partnerships that these companies are likely to pursue to achieve their nuclear energy goals are expected to have a significant impact on the broader energy sector. Companies are likely to invest in advanced nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs) and other innovative reactor designs. For example, X-energy has made significant progress in deploying its Xe-100 reactor, which is designed for industrial applications and has partnered with Amazon to power data centers. This technology can provide high-temperature steam, which is crucial for various industrial processes.

Nuclear reactors will increasingly be used for cogeneration, providing both electricity and heat. This is already being done in China, where the Haiyang nuclear power plant’s district heating scheme covers nearly 13 million square meters, and the Tianwan plant provides steam to a nearby petrochemical plant. This reduces coal consumption and CO2 emissions, demonstrating the potential for similar projects in other regions.

There are significant opportunities for the nuclear and oil and gas industries to collaborate. For instance, nuclear reactors could provide the process heat and electricity needed to decarbonize oil and gas operations, such as in refining. The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corp. (ENEC) and Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC) have partnered to explore the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies to support the United Arab Emirates’ energy diversification strategy. ENEC will also assess using excess heat from the Barakah nuclear power plant in ADNOC’s oil and gas operations.

Companies are likely to pursue partnerships for industrial applications of nuclear energy. For example, Fly Green Alliance recently released a report highlighting the potential synergies between SMRs and the aviation sector, emphasizing how nuclear energy can support sustainable aviation fuel production and reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.

The use of nuclear energy for industrial applications and cogeneration can significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels, thereby decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. For example, nuclear reactors helped avoid 2.1 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from equivalent coal generation in 2023, which is more than the annual emissions of every individual country except China, the US, and India.

Nuclear energy provides a reliable and abundant source of clean electricity, which is crucial for energy security. With 31 countries now signatories to a declaration to triple nuclear capacity by 2050, the demand for nuclear power has never been greater. This increased capacity will help meet the growing demand for electricity and support the electrification of various sectors.

The deployment of nuclear energy can boost economic development by providing a stable and affordable source of energy. For instance, the IAEA and Belgium co-chaired the first Nuclear Energy Summit in March 2024, where countries highlighted the role of nuclear energy in enhancing energy security and boosting economic development.

In conclusion, the involvement of major tech companies like Amazon and Google in supporting nuclear energy has the potential to positively influence public perception and acceptance. However, they will need to navigate several challenges, including addressing historical stigma, engaging with environmental groups, and demonstrating a genuine commitment to clean energy. By doing so, they can help pave the way for a more sustainable and secure energy future.