Observed Signal · Oct 6, 2026 · Partnership · Source: CNBC Investing · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Google and Constellation sign nuclear uprate deal
Constellation Energy has signed a deal with Google to add 890 megawatts of additional nuclear capacity to the PJM Interconnection grid, the largest in the U.S. The power will come from upgrades to 11 existing nuclear plants in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, including modernizing turbines, steam generators, and control systems. This approach, known as 'uprates,' is favored by big tech companies like Google because it is cheaper and quicker than building new plants or developing small modular reactors. Constellation's shares rose 15% on the news. The deal follows a similar agreement with Amazon last week to add 190 megawatts at Calvert Cliffs. Analysts at Evercore ISI note that other independent power producers like Vistra and Talen Energy may benefit from similar uprate opportunities, as could uranium enrichers like Centrus Energy.
Nuclear power deals for data centers are indirectly relevant to AdTech as they support the infrastructure that powers digital advertising. However, they are not directly related to advertising technology, marketing technology, or media.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Constellation Energy signed a deal with Google to add 890 megawatts of nuclear capacity.
- The power will come from upgrades to 11 nuclear plants in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
- Constellation shares rose 15% after the announcement.
- Constellation also reached a deal with Amazon last week for 190 megawatts at Calvert Cliffs.
- Evercore ISI estimates economically justified uprates could add 4-8 gigawatts by the mid-2030s.
Connected Companies & Entities
3 Entities mapped“Alphabet's Google division signed a deal with Constellation Energy to add 890 megawatts of nuclear capacity....”
“Constellation reached a deal with Amazon last week to add 190 megawatts to its Calvert Cliffs plant....”
“Constellation is reopening Three Mile Island through an agreement with Microsoft....”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Google-backed Iowa nuclear plant gets $1.9B US loan
The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded NextEra Energy a $1.9 billion loan to refurbish the Duane Arnold Energy Center in Iowa, a nuclear plant shut down since 2020. Google has signed a long-term power purchase agreement to secure electricity from the plant, which is expected to restart in Q1 2029, pending NRC approval, and generate 615 megawatts, with 50 megawatts reserved for a local cooperative. Google is reportedly considering building up to six data centers nearby. This reflects a broader trend of tech companies like Microsoft and Meta securing clean, firm power for AI operations, with similar deals for the Crane Clean Energy Center and Palisades. In contrast, Germany continues its nuclear phase-out, highlighting energy policy as a key factor in digital competitiveness.
Google backs virtual power plant to power data centers
Google has signed an agreement to co‑fund a virtual power plant (VPP) project implemented by Voltus in the PJM grid region that covers much of the US East Coast. Voltus will aggregate distributed resources — including electric vehicles and smart thermostats — and offer a "Bring Your Own Capacity" (BYOC) program; Google is the first named customer for that program. The VPP aims to provide up to 100 MW of aggregated capacity and is planned to be operational in 2027. Google will cover the VPP setup costs and intends to use the additional flexible capacity to help power data centers in the region. The article notes open questions around incentives, limits to data center flexibility, and mixed consumer uptake of similar demand‑response programs.
Google Powers Up with Major Clean Energy Deal
Google announced a partnership with Michigan utility DTE to add 2.7 gigawatts of new capacity to power a planned data center near Detroit. The package includes 1.6 GW of solar, 400 MW of four-hour battery storage, 50 MW of long-duration storage, 300 MW of additional 'clean resources' (unspecified sources such as wind, hydro, nuclear or geothermal), and 350 MW provided via demand-response programs. The deal will use Google’s Clean Transition Tariff, a mechanism the company has used previously in a similar agreement with Xcel Energy in Minnesota. Google also pledged a $10 million Energy Impact Fund aimed at reducing utility bills through measures like home insulation. Several details remain unresolved or not publicly clarified, including the exact definition of 'additional clean resources.'
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