Google Turns to Nuclear Power as AI Drives a New Electricity Race

Google is making one of its biggest moves yet into nuclear energy, signing a long-term agreement with Constellation Energy for 3,590 megawatts of electricity as the technology industry races to secure enough power for its expanding data-centre network.

The agreement includes a 20-year purchase of 890 MW of additional nuclear capacity from Constellation’s reactors in Illinois, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The energy company plans to upgrade 11 existing nuclear units rather than build entirely new reactors, with the first additional capacity expected to become available in 2028. The project represents more than $4.3 billion in investment.

A separate 15-year agreement will cover another 2,700 MW of electricity within the PJM grid, although that portion is not tied to a particular generation source. Together, the agreements give Google access to a substantial amount of long-term electricity while providing Constellation with greater revenue certainty for its existing generating assets.

The deal highlights a growing problem facing the energy sector: AI requires enormous amounts of reliable electricity. Data centres cannot simply depend on intermittent generation if they need continuous power, increasing interest in nuclear plants that can operate around the clock.

It also signals a shift in the relationship between technology companies and energy producers. Rather than waiting for utilities to expand supply, major technology companies are increasingly helping finance new generation themselves.

Google’s agreement could therefore become part of a much larger trend: AI growth is creating new demand for nuclear power and reshaping how electricity capacity is financed and built.