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    Talen Energy and Amazon sign nuclear power deal to fuel data centers

    Synopsis

    Talen Energy will supply up to 1,920 MW of nuclear power to Amazon Web Services through 2042, ensuring clean energy for AWS's AI and cloud needs. The partnership may expand to new reactors, as U.S. electricity demand surges with data center and AI growth.

    Talen Energy and Amazon sign nuclear power deal to fuel data centersReuters
    US utility Talen Energy announced on Wednesday an expanded nuclear energy partnership with Amazon to supply up to 1,920 megawatts of electricity from its Susquehanna plant in Pennsylvania to Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centers.

    Why is it important?

    The long-term deal, lasting until 2042, ensures Talen a steady, long-term revenue stream while supporting Amazon's growing demand for carbon-free energy to power its AI and cloud operations.

    Both companies will also explore building new Small Modular Reactors within Talen's Pennsylvania footprint and pursue expanding the nuclear plant's energy output.

    Context

    US electricity demand has risen for the first time in two decades, driven by the rapid growth of data centers and artificial intelligence, prompting Big Tech companies to scramble for reliable energy sources.

    Earlier in the month, Constellation Energy struck an agreement with Meta Platforms to keep one of the reactors in Illinois operating for 20 years.

    Talen Energy shares rose nearly 8% in the premarket trading.

    "We are making the largest private sector investment in state history - $20 billion- to bring 1,250 high-skilled jobs and economic benefits to the state, while also collaborating with Talen Energy to help power our infrastructure with carbon-free energy," Kevin Miller, AWS vice president of global data centers, said.
    The Economic Times

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