Dominion Energy and Amazon sign MoU for SMR development in Virginia
Dominion Energy Virginia has entered into a partnership with Amazon to explore the advancement of small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear technology within Virginia.
The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop innovative structures for SMR projects, aiming to bring new sources of carbon-free energy to the state.
Kevin Miller, Amazon’s global data centers vice-president, emphasized that nuclear energy’s safety and reliability align with Amazon’s goal to achieve net zero carbon by 2040. Dominion Energy and Amazon plan to collaborate on novel approaches to SMR development and financing, addressing potential cost and risk challenges while adhering to Dominion’s credit and risk management objectives.
In July 2024, Dominion Energy issued a request for proposals (RFP) to leading SMR technology firms to evaluate the feasibility of constructing an SMR at the North Anna power station in Louisa County, Virginia. Although the RFP does not guarantee SMR construction at this site, it marks a significant step in assessing the technology’s viability.
Dominion Energy’s chair, president, and CEO, Robert Blue, highlighted the partnership with Amazon as part of ongoing efforts to accelerate carbon-free power generation in Virginia.
In parallel, X-Energy Reactor Company, which specializes in advanced nuclear reactor and fuel technology, has secured $500 million in Series C-1 financing led by Amazon. The funding will aid in completing the design and licensing of X-energy’s reactors, developing its TRISO-X fuel fabrication facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and supporting future carbon-free energy projects using the Xe-100 advanced SMR technology.