On Wednesday, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with Constellation Energy Corp. (NASDAQ:CEG) to secure nuclear power from Maryland’s Calvert Cliffs plant, as surging AI demand pushes technology companies to seek reliable electricity.
Amazon Locks In 690 MW From Maryland Nuclear Plant
Under the agreement, Amazon will purchase 690 megawatts of power from Calvert Cliffs, a 1,790-MW nuclear facility and Maryland’s only nuclear power plant.
The deal is expected to support more than $3 billion in infrastructure investment in Maryland, including about 190 MW of new emissions-free generating capacity expected to come online between 2030 and 2032.
“This agreement demonstrates how private investment can strengthen critical energy infrastructure,” said Constellation CEO Joseph Dominguez.
Amazon and Constellation also entered a separate retail electricity supply agreement covering Amazon’s operations across the 13-state PJM power market.
Amazon Deal Could Extend Calvert Cliffs Operations
Amazon’s long-term commitment is also expected to support Constellation’s efforts to renew Calvert Cliffs’ operating license for another 20 years.
Calvert Cliffs currently supplies about 80% of Maryland’s clean electricity, according to the companies. Its two reactors generate enough electricity to power more than 1.3 million homes.
AI Power Demand Drives Nuclear Investment
Market commentator the Kobeissi Letter estimates global electricity demand from AI could surge more than 1,100% by 2033 to about 315 gigawatts, with the U.S. accounting for roughly 200 gigawatts of the increase.
AI data centers are also putting additional pressure on power infrastructure during model training, when large numbers of GPUs operate simultaneously.
That synchronized demand can spike electricity consumption by as much as 50% above a facility’s designed capacity.
Nuclear plants can provide continuous electricity without direct carbon emissions during generation, making them an increasingly attractive option.
Last week, Southern Company’s (NYSE:SO) Georgia Power and Alphabet Inc.’s (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Google announced an agreement to support nuclear power uprates at the Vogtle and Hatch plants.
The aim is to increase clean electricity supplies for Google’s data centers.
In January, Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (NYSE:BABA) also entered into a nuclear power partnership in China.
Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) and Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) have also made nuclear power agreements to secure electricity for their energy-intensive data centers.
Price Action: Amazon shares closed at $249.15 on Wednesday and rose 0.41% to $250.16 after hours, while Constellation Energy closed at $254.02 and gained 2.75% to $261 after hours, according to Benzinga Pro.
According to Benzinga Edge Rankings, Nvidia ranks in the 93rd percentile for Growth, with short- and medium-term price trends pointing lower while its long-term trend remains positive.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo: Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock.com
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