US nuclear plant expands by 190 MW under Amazon deal, can power 1.3 million homes

A Maryland-based company, Constellation Energy, has announced a long-term agreement with Amazon to support the continued investment in and expansion of the Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center, Maryland’s only nuclear plant and largest source of clean energy.

Constellation’s new deal with Amazon is expected to enable more than $3 billion in Maryland infrastructure investment, including state-of-the-art improvements across the entire 1,790-megawatt plant and approximately 190 megawatts in total of new, emissions-free generating capacity coming online between 2030 and 2032.

“This agreement demonstrates how private investment can strengthen critical energy infrastructure,” said Joe Dominguez, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Constellation.

“Amazon’s commitment supports the long-term operation of Calvert Cliffs for generations to come and creates a strong foundation for future investment in both the facility and in advanced nuclear technologies.”

Expansion of Calvert Cliffs’ generating capacity

The expansion of Calvert Cliffs’ generating capacity will be supported by a 20-year agreement, which includes 690 megawatts of power, including the 190-megawatt uprate.

The parties have also entered into a related retail supply agreement to support Amazon operations in the 13-state PJM market. In addition to making the uprate possible, Amazon’s long-term commitment will help provide Constellation with the revenue certainty to relicense the plant for another 20 years and make progress toward the development of new clean energy power plants at the site, adding to Maryland’s supply of clean and reliable energy, according to a press release.

Located in Lusby on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, Calvert Cliffs produces approximately 80 percent of Maryland’s clean energy and enough electricity to power the equivalent of more than 1.3 million homes. The facility employs more than 800 people and contributes about $21 million annually in taxes that support schools, roads, and other public services, according to the release.

Amazon committed to investing in carbon-free energy

“Amazon is committed to investing in carbon-free energy to strengthen the grid and benefit the communities where we operate,” said Kerry Person, vice president of AWS Global Operations and Data Center Delivery.

“This long-term agreement with Constellation sustains the continued operation and expansion of Maryland’s largest source of carbon-free energy, supports hundreds of jobs, and brings significant new generation to the regional grid.”

The companies highlighted that the latest agreement will also help Amazon manage its energy costs for facilities throughout the region. All the electricity generated by Calvert Cliffs will continue flowing to the PJM regional grid just as it does now, demonstrating how large energy users can support investments in new, reliable generation while strengthening the broader electric system.

The agreement comes at a time when electricity demand is increasing rapidly, particularly because of data centers and artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Large technology companies require substantial amounts of electricity around the clock. Unlike intermittent sources such as wind and solar, nuclear plants can provide continuous electricity while producing no direct carbon emissions during generation.

Beyond the immediate capacity increase, the agreement could play an important role in extending the operating life of Calvert Cliffs.

Source: https://interestingengineering.com/energy/us-nuclear-reactor-clean-energy-generating