Google and Constellation Energy are partnering on a major expansion of nuclear power capacity across the PJM electricity grid, including new investments at nuclear plants in New Jersey.
The agreement is expected to add 890 megawatts of new nuclear capacity by upgrading existing facilities in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Illinois rather than building entirely new nuclear plants.
More Than $4.3 Billion in Investment
Constellation says the projects represent more than $4.3 billion in new investment and are expected to support about 4,400 existing jobs while creating approximately 7,200 construction jobs during the upgrades.
The first additional power is expected to begin coming online in 2028, with the full 890 MW added before the end of 2032.
New Jersey Plants Included
Gov. Mikie Sherrill welcomed the announcement, saying she was “thrilled” to see Google and Constellation investing in additional nuclear capacity, including at plants in New Jersey.
Sherrill said the partnership could help the state meet growing electricity demand, create jobs and expand power supply without placing the cost directly on ratepayers.
The announcement comes just days after New Jersey convened the first meeting of its new Nuclear Task Force, which is examining how the state can expand nuclear generation, streamline permitting and prepare its workforce for future projects.
Nuclear Power Already Plays a Major Role in New Jersey
Nuclear energy already supplies more than 40% of New Jersey’s electricity and roughly 80% of its carbon-free power, according to the governor’s office.
The state’s main nuclear facilities include the Salem and Hope Creek generating stations in South Jersey.
The new Google-Constellation agreement is designed to increase output from existing plants through equipment upgrades and efficiency improvements, providing more electricity without requiring entirely new reactor sites.
Growing Demand Is Driving New Investment
Electricity demand across the PJM region is rising as data centers, artificial intelligence infrastructure, electrification and other large power users expand.
Google has been seeking long-term sources of reliable electricity to support its growing data-center operations, while Constellation has been pursuing upgrades that can increase output from existing nuclear plants.
For New Jersey, the agreement adds another major private-sector investment to the state’s broader push to expand nuclear energy and strengthen the regional power grid.
Sources: Constellation Energy, Office of Gov. Mikie Sherrill, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
By NJ RADAR Team