Google and Constellation Energy partner on 20-year nuclear power upgrades

Google and Constellation Energy have struck a landmark 20-year deal to boost nuclear power capacity in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. The agreement involves $4.3 billion in upgrades to existing nuclear plants, with Google committing to buy 890 megawatts of additional nuclear power. These upgrades, known as nuclear uprates, will enhance the output of 11 reactors, adding capacity equivalent to a new large reactor to the PJM Interconnection grid.

The deal includes a capacity increase at the Salem Generating Station in New Jersey, where upgrades will add 97 megawatts. Constellation owns 43% of Salem, while PSEG holds the remaining 57%. The projects are expected to begin supplying additional power in 2028 and will continue through 2032.

Constellation will invest in new equipment and technology, such as turbines, steam generators, and digital control systems, to increase the output of existing plants. The company argues that these upgrades can add electricity more quickly than building new generating facilities. The arrangement is also intended to keep the existing plants economically viable and sustain about 4,400 jobs while creating roughly 7,200 construction jobs.

Additionally, Google and Constellation have entered into a separate 15-year agreement for 2,700 megawatts of electricity. The companies have also signed a five-year technology agreement under which Constellation will use Google Cloud and Gemini artificial intelligence tools for power-plant operations, planning, permitting, and cybersecurity.