Google invests $4.3 billion to upgrade nuclear plants for its energy-hungry data centers
Google has signed a long-term agreement with Constellation, the largest U.S. nuclear power operator, to fund upgrades at six nuclear plant sites across Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The deal is part of Google’s effort to secure reliable electricity for its expanding network of energy-intensive AI data centers. Over five years, these upgrades are expected to add 890 megawatts of new capacity—comparable to one large reactor or three small modular reactors. The agreement includes a $4.3 billion investment by Constellation and is tied to the PJM Interconnection grid, which serves 13 states including Virginia’s Loudoun County data center hub. The region has faced challenges in meeting surging electricity demand from AI infrastructure, prompting calls for emergency power auctions and regulatory scrutiny over potential blackouts. In addition to nuclear upgrades, Google also signed a larger energy supply deal with Constellation covering other existing plants within PJM regardless of fuel type.
Topics: AI infrastructure data centers energy demand nuclear energy