Amazon's data center receives a 100% nuclear power upgrade, marking a significant shift towards sustainable energy sourcing. Opting for a direct energy supply from the nearby nuclear power plant, Amazon takes a pioneering step in enhancing its environmental footprint.
(Photo : PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has introduced a new offering, Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) Capacity Blocks for machine learning.
Receiving Nuclear Power Upgrade
Amazon Web Services (AWS), the cloud computing division of the tech giant has reached an agreement to acquire the Cumulus data center in Pennsylvania for a staggering $650 million.
The data center, constructed by Talen Energy, is strategically positioned adjacent to the Susquehanna nuclear power plant, boasting a capacity of 2.5 gigawatts and operated by the utility company.
AWS stands at the forefront of providing cloud solutions to a diverse range of clients, including corporations, startups, and governmental bodies worldwide. Its remarkable performance in the last quarter of 2023 alone generated a revenue of $24 billion for AWS.
By transitioning to cloud services, Interesting Engineering reported that customers gain access to cutting-edge technologies without the need for individual investment.
Surge in Cloud-Based Services
The surge in cloud-based services has led to a significant rise in energy consumption by data centers, now accounting for one percent of global electricity usage.
Unfortunately, a large portion of this energy is sourced from fossil fuels, contributing to heightened carbon emissions from major providers like AWS, Google, and Microsoft. Consequently, businesses are actively seeking renewable alternatives to mitigate the environmental impact of their operations.
Amidst the rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence models across the tech sector, major players are intensifying their efforts to enhance their AI capabilities.
However, these advancements heavily rely on graphic processing units (GPUs) from Nvidia, which are notably more energy-intensive compared to traditional CPUs.
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, the surge in AI adoption is expected to drive a 50 percent increase in energy demand within data centers over the next three years.
To address concerns about environmental sustainability, tech giants have been collaborating with renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power plants to transition towards greener energy solutions.
Amidst projections of a substantial increase in energy demand, corporations are actively seeking carbon-free energy alternatives, with nuclear power emerging as a prominent contender.
Notably, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has made significant investments in a next-generation nuclear power firm to advance this technology.
Amazon, aiming to power all its operations with renewable energy by 2025, has solidified its position as a major procurer of renewables.
Recharge News reported that the tech giant acquired 8.8 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy in the previous year, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable energy procurement. Now, Amazon is exploring the integration of nuclear energy to fuel its data center operations.
The newly acquired AWS facility will directly procure power from the adjacent nuclear plant, bypassing reliance on the traditional grid.
Amazon retains the potential to scale its power demand up to 960 megawatts in the future, although specifics regarding the company's intentions with the facility remain undisclosed.
Amazon is initiating the acquisition with an upfront payment of $350 million, with additional payments contingent on the achievement of specified milestones throughout the year.
