Amazon Investing $20 Billion In AI Data Centers
Amazon to Invest $20 Billion in Pennsylvania Data Centers, Including One Powered by Nuclear Energy
Amazon is making a major play in Pennsylvania’s data infrastructure sector with plans to invest a staggering $20 billion in two new data center complexes across the state. The tech giant’s ambitious expansion reflects the growing energy demands of cloud computing and artificial intelligence—and its latest move highlights a bold shift in how Big Tech is powering its future.
One of the upcoming data centers will be constructed adjacent to the Susquehanna nuclear power plant in Luzerne County. In a strategic acquisition, Amazon purchased a data center from Talen Energy—majority owner of the plant—for $650 million. This facility is expected to eventually supply up to 960 megawatts of power to Amazon’s operations, making it one of the most power-intensive data center projects in the country.
The power arrangement, referred to as a “behind the meter” setup, allows Amazon to draw electricity directly from the nuclear plant without relying on the broader electrical grid. While this model can expedite deployment and improve energy efficiency, it’s also attracting regulatory attention. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is currently reviewing the arrangement for potential impacts on energy markets and compliance with federal standards.
The second data center will be located at the Keystone Trade Center in Fairless Hills, a revitalized industrial site formerly home to a U.S. Steel mill. This location further underscores Amazon’s strategy of repurposing legacy industrial properties for high-tech infrastructure.
This dual-site investment marks a continued trend of Big Tech companies pursuing direct power solutions to meet surging data demands. With artificial intelligence, machine learning, and streaming services consuming more energy than ever before, companies like Amazon are turning to innovative power strategies—including partnerships with nuclear facilities—to keep pace.
As these projects progress, they could reshape not only Pennsylvania’s energy and employment landscapes but also how the cloud is powered nationwide.
