Tech Giants Secure Nuclear Power for AI Data Centers

Constellation Energy is restarting Unit 1 at the Crane Clean Energy Center in Pennsylvania to supply power to Microsoft and providing energy to Meta from a plant in Illinois. These moves are part of a broader trend where major technology firms are securing long-term clean energy contracts to support the expanding power needs of AI data centers.

Other industry leaders are pursuing similar strategies. X-energy Reactor Co. plans to develop 64 advanced modular reactors for Amazon by 2039, while Google has purchased hydropower dams in Pennsylvania. Proponents of these investments argue that nuclear energy is the only viable solution for the steady, massive power requirements of AI hyper-scalers.

However, the surge in infrastructure development has faced criticism. A Harvard University study warns that utilities may be socializing the costs of this infrastructure, potentially transferring the financial burden to general ratepayers through higher electricity prices. This concern has fueled opposition to the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project, a proposed 67-mile transmission line intended to move power into Virginia to feed data centers.