AEP, Amazon and X-energy plan 960 MW nuclear project in Indiana

· Energy · United States

American Electric Power has signed a joint development agreement with X-energy to evaluate a 960 MW small modular reactor project at a former coal plant site in Sullivan County, Indiana. Amazon would purchase the power under a long-term contract that covers the cost of building and operating the facility, the companies said. The plan involves a 12-reactor configuration of X-energy's SMR design. Big tech companies are turning to nuclear power to secure round-the-clock electricity for data centers as demand surges, and utilities see former coal sites as ready-made hosts with existing grid connections.

Why it matters：It shows hyperscalers moving from buying clean power to underwriting new nuclear capacity, a model that could shape how data-center demand is met and how retired coal sites are reused.

Key points

  • The project would be built at a former coal plant site in Sullivan County, Indiana
  • Amazon would buy the power under a long-term contract covering facility and operating costs
  • The design calls for 12 SMR units totaling 960 MW

Sources (original reporting)

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