Amazon has announced its involvement in the development of a small modular reactor (SMR) facility in Washington state, as part of its ongoing sustainability initiatives. The facility, known as the Cascade Advanced Energy Facility, will be located outside Richland, Washington, near the existing Columbia Generating Station operated by Energy Northwest.
The project is being led by Energy Northwest and SMR developer X-energy. Plans include building up to 12 SMRs using X-energy’s advanced reactor design. The initial phase will consist of four reactors with a combined capacity of 320 megawatts (MW), with the option to expand to 12 units totaling 960 MW. Construction is expected to begin by the end of this decade, with operations targeted to start in the 2030s.
SMRs are next-generation nuclear reactors that are smaller than traditional models and designed for easier deployment and lower construction costs. The Cascade facility will feature three 320 MW sections within a compact footprint, contrasting with the larger land requirements of traditional nuclear plants.
Kara Hurst, Amazon’s chief sustainability officer, said, “This project isn't just about new technology; it's about creating a reliable source of carbon-free energy that will support our growing digital world. I'm excited about the potential of SMRs and the positive impact they will have on both the environment and local communities."
Amazon has invested billions of dollars in carbon-free energy projects as part of its global strategy to reduce carbon emissions. Through its Climate Pledge Fund, Amazon has provided capital to X-energy for the development of the Xe-100 reactor design, which will be used at the Cascade facility.
J. Clay Sell, chief executive officer of X-energy, stated, “One year ago, we set out with Amazon to reimagine the way in which we advance new energy projects in the United States, and how we power technologies like AI that are driving our economy forward. Over the past year, the support of Amazon has enabled us to accelerate progress on our technology, grow our team with world-class talent and expertise, and position the Cascade Advanced Energy Center at the forefront of energy innovation. The scale of this work is historic, and we are privileged to have world-class partners like Amazon and Energy Northwest in this effort.”
The facility is expected to create more than 1,000 construction jobs and over 100 permanent positions in nuclear operations and engineering. To support workforce development, Columbia Basin College in Pasco has received Department of Energy funding to launch an Energy Learning Center with an education simulator replicating X-energy's Xe-100 control room. This initiative aims to prepare students for careers in advanced nuclear energy.
Bob Schuetz, chief executive officer of Energy Northwest, said, “Investing in advanced training simulators prepares future operators and builds the foundation for a clean energy workforce that will power our region for decades to come. This interactive experience helps demystify nuclear energy and goes beyond the textbook, showing students that a viable, meaningful career in clean energy is within reach—and that they can be part of something transformative.”
Amazon’s investment in X-energy is also intended to help bring more than 5 gigawatts (GW) of new nuclear energy to the U.S. grid by 2039. This amount of energy could supply 3.8 million U.S. homes. In addition, Amazon and X-energy have signed an agreement with South Korea’s Doosan Enerbility and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. to support SMR deployment in the United States.
The Cascade Advanced Energy Facility represents a step toward providing reliable carbon-free energy for Amazon’s operations and the surrounding communities while contributing to local economic growth.