Amazon is focusing on carbon-free energy with its Amazon nuclear facility project. The Cascade Advanced Energy Facility, to be developed in Washington state, will generate power with small modular reactors. With this investment, the company is contributing to sustainable energy. Therefore, environmentally friendly initiatives are accelerating.

Amazon Nuclear Facility Cascade Details

Amazon reached an agreement with Energy Northwest a year ago. This agreement supports the construction of 12 advanced reactors by the early 2030s. The company has the right to power the first 320-megawatt phase. Amazon and local utilities will share the remaining capacity. This project diversifies into renewable energy.

The Cascade Advanced Energy Facility will be built outside Richland, Washington. The facility consists of three phases and will have a total capacity of 960 megawatts. This power is enough to power approximately 770,000 homes in the United States. While traditional reactors occupy more than a square mile, the Cascade fits into just a few city blocks. This compact design increases efficiency.

The reactors are X-energy’s XE-100 small modular reactors (SMRs). These models are cheaper and easier to install than existing nuclear power plants. The reactors, currently in development, will undergo licensing. Therefore, construction is expected by the late 2030s. Most importantly, this technology reduces carbon emissions.

The project will create 100 permanent jobs and over 1,000 construction jobs. Renderings shared on Amazon’s blog post show the reactor building, turbine area, and support buildings. These images clarify the industrial structure. So, what are your thoughts on the Amazon nuclear facility? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!