Amazon shares a ‘first look’ at new nuclear facility
Amazon outlined plans to help deploy small modular reactors (SMRs) in Washington State to secure more carbon‑free power.
- Partnering with Energy Northwest and X‑energy on the Cascade Advanced Energy Facility near Richland, WA.
- Targeted capacity ~960 MW across three sections (about 770,000 US homes); initial 320‑MW phase with purchase rights for Amazon.
- SMR design aims for a smaller footprint and faster deployment than traditional nuclear plants.
- Projected jobs: ~100 permanent and 1,000+ construction roles.
- Licensing and approvals still ahead; construction expected later this decade.
Sources: The Verge, Amazon blog, X‑energy XE‑100