Google has struck a deal to fund upgrades at six US nuclear power plants, aiming to boost their output to meet the data center’s voracious appetite for electricity. The 20-year agreement with Constellation, the leading US nuclear power operator, will see the modernization of 11 reactors across Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, collectively adding 890 megawatts of nuclear capacity. This is equivalent to the output of a large new reactor or three small modular reactors.

Meanwhile, PJM, the largest power grid in the US, faces challenges in meeting the growing demand from artificial intelligence data centers. Last year, Google’s carbon emissions rose by 18%, alongside a 37% jump in electricity demand. The tech giant’s new deal with Constellation also includes a 15-year energy supply agreement, guaranteeing revenue for other existing power plants, regardless of fuel type.

The move comes as data centers drive a surge in new gas infrastructure projects in the US, moving many tech companies further from their sustainability goals. Despite the promise of clean energy, nuclear power continues to face challenges, with some critics arguing that the deal could lead to higher electricity bills for other customers.

While the agreement is a significant investment in nuclear power, it also highlights the ongoing struggle to balance the tech industry’s energy demands with broader environmental goals. As Google looks to future-proof its operations, the world watches to see if this deal marks a turning point or just another chapter in the energy industry’s evolving story.