Amazon to Install 12 Small Nuclear Reactors at Former Indiana Coal Site

Amazon has announced a new partnership with nuclear‑technology firm X‑energy to bring small modular reactors (SMRs) to a retired coal plant in Indiana. The plan calls for the construction of 12 SMRs that together will generate close to one gigawatt (GW) of electricity, a move that aligns with Amazon’s pledge to cut its carbon footprint by half by 2025.

X‑energy’s high‑temperature SMR design is built for factory fabrication and rapid on‑site assembly, dramatically shortening construction timelines compared with traditional nuclear plants. Each unit is expected to deliver roughly 80‑90 megawatts (MW), meaning the full suite of 12 reactors will supply about 1 GW of low‑carbon power to the regional grid.

The project is positioned as a cornerstone of the former coal site’s transformation into a clean‑energy hub. Analysts note that SMRs can serve as a bridge between intermittent renewables and baseload demand, offering grid stability while displacing fossil‑fuel generation. Amazon aims to have the first reactor online by the end of 2026, with full completion targeted for 2028.

State officials have welcomed the initiative, highlighting potential job creation, local economic revitalization, and a long‑term boost to energy security. By financing the reactors, Amazon not only advances its sustainability agenda but also demonstrates confidence in nuclear innovation as a scalable solution for decarbonizing the power sector.

If successful, the Indiana deployment could become a blueprint for similar conversions of legacy coal facilities across the United States, showcasing how private capital and advanced nuclear technology can work together to meet climate objectives while strengthening the grid.

Source: TechCrunch

ETİKETLER