Google Partners with Constellation in Major Nuclear Energy Deal to Power AI Growth

Google has announced a major power-purchase agreement with Constellation to upgrade six nuclear plants in the US, driven by the surging energy demands of artificial intelligence and data centre expansion.

According to an essay published on Google's corporate news, the agreement enables more than 1.5GW of new nuclear capacity for the US energy system by increasing the output of existing reactors and bringing dormant facilities back online. This comes as technology companies face ongoing criticism over data centre construction that surges energy demand and raises electricity prices for consumers.

Google emphasized that its investments aim to revitalize the nation's energy supply, support local jobs, and bring reliable electricity to US grids without increasing costs for other ratepayers. As part of the arrangement, Constellation will utilize Google's agentic AI workflows to accelerate uprate planning, streamline construction, and optimize plant output.

However, Big Tech's push into nuclear energy has faced scrutiny. Critics point out that reactor deals often involve substantial US government loans, shifting costs to citizens. The US Department of Energy recently announced a deal of up to $4.2 billion to modernize nuclear plants in Ohio and Pennsylvania, with Energy Secretary Chris Wright highlighting the goal of delivering reliable, round-the-clock energy.

Safety concerns also persist regarding nuclear rehabilitation projects. Constellation's previous PPA with Microsoft in 2024 involved rehabilitating a Three Mile Island reactor in Middletown, Pennsylvania, reviving historical anxieties stemming from the 1979 accident. Additionally, efforts to restart the Palisades nuclear reactor in Covert, Michigan, have encountered hurdles following recent investigations by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Despite potential opposition, Google remains confident in the venture, stating that it provides the guaranteed revenue Constellation needs to invest in upgrades across 11 of its nuclear reactors while protecting other grid customers from associated costs.