Amazon funds 12 SMRs at former Indiana coal plant, aiming for 1 GW of carbon‑free power

Amazon has teamed up with nuclear‑technology firm X‑Energy to finance the construction of twelve small modular reactors (SMRs) on the site of a retired coal plant in Indiana. The effort, designed to generate roughly one gigawatt of electricity, represents the tech giant’s latest step toward broadening its low‑carbon energy portfolio.

The new reactors will take the place of the outdated coal facility that once supplied power to the area, illustrating a wider movement to convert former fossil‑fuel locations to cleaner generation. By locating the SMRs at an existing power‑plant site, developers can use the current grid connections and transmission lines, cutting the need for fresh land acquisition and simplifying permitting.

Amazon’s backing aligns with its publicly announced climate goals, including a commitment to reach net‑zero emissions across its operations by 2040. While the company already holds renewable‑energy contracts for wind and solar, adding nuclear capacity provides a dispatchable, zero‑emission source that can balance intermittent renewables. X‑Energy, which focuses on high‑temperature gas‑cooled SMR designs, says its units are manufactured in factories and assembled on site, shortening build times compared with conventional large‑scale nuclear plants.

Regulatory clearance for SMRs remains a key obstacle, yet recent policy shifts in the United States have shown growing backing for advanced nuclear technologies. The Department of Energy has allocated funding for SMR research, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is revising its licensing framework to suit smaller, modular designs. If the Indiana project succeeds, it could serve as a template for similar conversions of former coal sites nationwide.

Stakeholders expect the nearly 1 GW of clean power produced by the twelve reactors to flow directly into the regional grid, enhancing reliability and aiding the state’s renewable‑energy targets. Industry analysts note that the partnership highlights a pragmatic decarbonization strategy—one that blends corporate investment, emerging technology, and the reuse of existing energy infrastructure. The next phases involve detailed engineering studies, securing final permits, and commencing construction, with operational milestones anticipated in the latter half of the decade.