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Constellation Energy eyes new nuclear for unprecedented data center power demand

Constellation Energy is considering constructing next-generation nuclear plants on its existing websites to satisfy soaring demand from data centers, executives with the Baltimore-based power company said on Thursday.

The biggest operator of U.S. nuclear energy stated it is taking a look at adding brand-new little modular reactors and other energy innovations to provide electrical energy to big load consumers like information centers.

We're seeing interest in establishing projects that are on a size and scale that currently don't exist, Constellation CEO Joseph Dominguez said on a first-quarter incomes call with financiers. What we're attempting to do is get the agreements done that set out the gross quantity of megawatts that are going to be needed.

Clients of the possible brand-new nuclear generation would fund the tasks through long-lasting power purchase agreements, while Constellation would run the units, the company said on its first-quarter profits call.

Information centers that support generative artificial intelligence and other new innovations require huge quantities of electrical energy for data-intensive computing and cooling systems. They have actually stired the drowsy U.S. power market in the previous year and led energies to raise need projections and increase capital investing plans.

Constellation, which likewise generates electrical power by means of renewable sources like hydro, wind and solar, reported changed first-quarter incomes of $1.82 per share, beating Wall Street price quotes on due to increased nuclear power generation and tax credits related to the Inflation Decrease Act (IRA).

Experts had actually anticipated earnings of $1.38 per share, according to LSEG data.

The IRA provides billions of dollars in tax credits to clean energy facilities, such as nuclear plants, in a push to decarbonize the U.S. power sector.

The Baltimore, Maryland-based company's nuclear fleet produced 45,391 gigawatt-hours (GWhs) and run at 93.3% capability during the quarter, an uptick from the 42,463 GWhs produced at 92.8% capability last year in the exact same period.

It also saw fewer interruption days during the quarter, which helped lower refueling costs.

Power intake in the U.S. is expected to reach record highs this year and the next, according to the U.S. Energy Details Administration.

Total business expenses were $5.3 billion, 29% lower than the prior-year quarter, primarily due to 40% lower fuel expenses.

Income for the quarter, nevertheless, fell 18.5% to $6.16. billion, lower than analysts' estimate of $7.85 billion.

(source: Reuters)