Amazon Commits $20 Bln To Pennsylvania Data Centers, Sparking Regulatory Scrutiny
From NASDAQ.: 2025-06-09 18:03:00
Amazon is investing $20 billion in two data center campuses in Pennsylvania, creating 1,250 jobs. The facilities will be located in Luzerne and Bucks counties, with one near the Susquehanna nuclear plant. The move reflects Amazon’s focus on AI and cloud infrastructure amid fierce tech competition.
The data center near the Susquehanna plant faces federal scrutiny as Amazon plans to draw 960 megawatts directly from the nuclear facility. The “behind-the-meter” setup bypasses the traditional grid, raising concerns about fairness and grid stability. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has temporarily blocked the deal pending a final ruling.
Big Tech continues to invest in data infrastructure, with Amazon and Microsoft leading the way in Pennsylvania. Microsoft is restarting Three Mile Island to power its facilities, while a former coal plant is being transformed into a natural gas-fueled data center hub. Concerns about noise, aesthetics, and security risks persist nationwide.
The economic benefits of data center growth are overshadowed by bipartisan concerns about the impact on communities. It remains unclear if Amazon received state tax incentives for the Pennsylvania project, as Governor Josh Shapiro’s office declined to comment.
Read more at NASDAQ.: Amazon Commits $20 Bln To Pennsylvania Data Centers, Sparking Regulatory Scrutiny