Amazon backs 960MW Indiana nuclear project for data centre power

Amazon has committed to purchasing electricity from a proposed nuclear energy facility in Indiana, aiming to power its growing network of data centres. The project involves twelve small modular reactors from X-energy, with a combined output of 960 megawatts. This agreement represents a significant step in Amazon’s broader strategy to secure reliable, large-scale power sources for its cloud computing infrastructure.

The planned installation is set for the former Breed coal generating station in Sullivan County, Indiana. While Amazon has not disclosed the exact financial contribution to this specific project, the company states it is investing billions in nuclear energy overall. Industry observers note that Amazon’s leading role suggests a commitment potentially exceeding one billion dollars, although this remains speculative without official confirmation from the tech giant.

What we know

X-energy’s Xe-100 reactors are designed to generate 80 megawatts each, utilising helium gas for cooling and TRISO fuel particles. According to the vendor, this fuel resists extreme temperatures, and the reactor design aims to reduce reliance on active safety systems during certain accident scenarios. Amazon’s partnership with X-energy dates back to 2024, when the company led a $700 million financing round for reactor development and fuel production preparations in Tennessee.

The Indiana proposal is part of a larger ambition to introduce more than five gigawatts of nuclear capacity across the United States by 2039. An Amazon spokesperson noted that new technologies often require initial customers to de-risk projects and provide funding for commercial scaling. However, the United States has yet to operate a commercial small modular reactor supplying electricity, meaning regulatory approvals and construction timelines remain uncertain for this development.

Defender's checklist

• Monitor regulatory updates on small modular reactor licensing in the United States.
• Track Amazon’s capital expenditure reports for insights into nuclear energy investment scales.
• Evaluate the operational status of TRISO fuel manufacturing facilities in Oak Ridge.
• Assess potential grid stability impacts from large-scale nuclear power integration in Indiana.

The background in plain language

Teams evaluating emerging energy technologies for data centres should focus on regulatory pathways and vendor readiness. It is essential to distinguish between announced projects and operational facilities, as development timelines can extend significantly. Organisations should verify whether a technology has achieved commercial operation before relying on it for critical infrastructure planning. Understanding the specific safety features, such as passive cooling systems, helps assess long-term reliability risks associated with new reactor designs.

What to do and how to stay safe: Amazon

• Review your organisation’s energy supply contracts for dependencies on unproven generation technologies.
• Monitor regulatory agency announcements regarding the approval of small modular reactor designs.
• Assess the financial stability of energy vendors involved in high-risk infrastructure development.
• Plan for alternative power sources in case of delays in nuclear project commissioning.

General security guidance from the TechWire Beat newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

When will the Indiana nuclear facility be operational?

Construction and commissioning dates remain uncertain, with regulatory approvals still pending.

How much is Amazon spending on this specific project?

Amazon has not disclosed the specific amount, though it is investing billions in nuclear energy overall.

What technology do the reactors use?

The Xe-100 reactors use helium cooling and TRISO fuel particles designed to resist extreme temperatures.