Amazon backs 12 small modular reactors at Indiana former coal site, targeting 1 GW of clean power

Amazon has entered a new partnership with nuclear‑technology firm X‑Energy to finance the construction of twelve small modular reactors (SMRs) on the grounds of a decommissioned coal plant in Indiana. The project, slated to deliver close to one gigawatt of electricity, marks the tech giant's latest move to expand its portfolio of low‑carbon energy sources.

The reactors will replace the aging coal infrastructure that once powered the region, reflecting a broader trend of repurposing legacy fossil‑fuel sites for cleaner generation. By situating the SMRs at an existing power‑plant location, developers can leverage existing grid connections and transmission lines, reducing the need for new land acquisition and streamlining permitting processes.

Amazon’s investment aligns with its publicly stated climate commitments, including a pledge to achieve net‑zero carbon emissions across its operations by 2040. While the company has already secured renewable‑energy contracts for wind and solar, the addition of nuclear capacity offers a dispatchable, zero‑emission source that can complement intermittent renewables. X‑Energy, which specializes in high‑temperature gas‑cooled SMR designs, says its reactors can be factory‑built and assembled on site, shortening construction timelines compared with traditional large‑scale nuclear plants.

Regulatory approval for SMRs remains a critical hurdle, but recent policy shifts in the United States have signaled growing support for advanced nuclear technologies. The Department of Energy has earmarked funding for SMR research, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is working to adapt its licensing framework to accommodate smaller, modular designs. If successful, the Indiana project could serve as a template for similar conversions of former coal sites nationwide.

Stakeholders anticipate that the nearly 1 GW of clean power generated by the twelve reactors will be fed directly into the regional grid, bolstering reliability and helping to meet state renewable‑energy targets. Industry observers note that the collaboration underscores a pragmatic approach to decarbonization—one that blends corporate investment, emerging technology, and the reuse of existing energy infrastructure. The next steps involve detailed engineering studies, securing final permits, and beginning construction, with operational milestones expected in the latter half of the decade.