Google and Amazon Back Nuclear Plant Upgrades to Add Capacity

Google and Amazon are backing investments in existing U.S. nuclear plants to meet growing electricity demand. The two major AI data center developers and cloud services providers have made deals with Constellation Energy to support nearly 1.1 GW of additional capacity through uprates, which increase output by upgrading equipment such as turbines and generators.

The projects will add capacity to the PJM Interconnection, the nation's largest regional grid operator, serving more than 67 million people across 13 states and Washington, D.C. The agreements follow a July capacity auction in which PJM fell 6.8 GW short of its 2028-2029 reliability requirement, as projected electricity demand continues to outpace available capacity commitments.

Constellation Energy is partnering with large tech companies to expand its nuclear plants. Image used courtesy of Constellation Energy

Google and Constellation Strike Nuclear Power Agreements Adding 890 MW to PJM Grid

Google and Constellation Energy have reached a series of long-term agreements to expand nuclear generation across the PJM Interconnection, including a 20-year power purchase agreement that supports 890 MW of additional capacity from existing reactors.

The agreements include uprates, an increasingly popular strategy to expand nuclear generation without building new reactors. The first uprate is expected to deliver additional power by 2028, with further upgrades planned across nuclear sites in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New Jersey.

The agreement is part of Google's broader effort to increase nuclear power in the United States. The deal brings Google's commitments to U.S. nuclear uprates and restarts to more than 1.5 GW of planned additional capacity.

Separately, the companies signed a 15-year agreement covering another 2,700 MW of power in PJM. Unlike the uprate agreement, this contract doesn't require new nuclear generation and is intended to provide revenue certainty for Constellation's existing plants.

Google execs explain their interest in nuclear. Video used courtesy of Google Sustainability

The PJM partnership also addresses how large electricity consumers can respond to periods of grid strain. Planned demand-response and load-management measures would allow certain nonessential electricity uses to be reduced or shifted during periods of high grid demand.

In addition to the power agreements, Constellation is extending its technology relationship with Google Cloud for five years, with plans to deploy Google's Gemini Enterprise platform across several areas of its business.

The companies intend to use AI-assisted tools to evaluate potential sites, model electricity flows, and streamline permitting and grid interconnection planning. Other applications include monitoring equipment condition, coordinating outages, and improving the performance of existing generating facilities. The technology arrangement also includes security measures for Constellation's operational networks.

Constellation and Amazon to Add 190 MW of Nuclear Capacity in Maryland

Constellation Energy and Amazon have signed a 20-year power purchase agreement to support a 190-MW capacity increase at Maryland's only nuclear power plant, along with investments to extend its operating life.

The Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center in Maryland. Image used courtesy of Constellation Energy

The agreement is expected to support more than $3 billion in infrastructure investments across Maryland, including improvements to the 1,790-MW Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center in Lusby, Maryland. The planned uprate would increase the plant's generating capacity by about 11%, with additional output scheduled to come online between 2030 and 2032.

The 690-MW power purchase agreement includes the planned 190-MW uprate, with the remaining 500 MW representing existing capacity. A related retail supply arrangement will support Amazon's facilities throughout PJM's 13-state footprint.

Beyond the immediate expansion, the long-term contract provides the financial backing for Constellation to pursue an additional 20 years of licensed operations at Calvert Cliffs and explore opportunities for future clean energy development at the site. The plant currently produces about 80% of Maryland's clean energy, according to the company, generating enough power annually to serve over 1.3 million homes.

Electricity generated at Calvert Cliffs will continue flowing into PJM rather than directly supplying Amazon facilities.