Google backs nuclear uprates in Georgia to add 96 MW of clean power

Google has signed a deal with Georgia Power to upgrade four older nuclear reactors at Plant Hatch and Plant Vogtle, adding roughly 96 megawatts of zero-carbon capacity. The work involves mechanical modifications to turbines, pumps, and cooling systems, allowing the reactors to produce more electricity without expanding the sites. Georgia Power estimates the arrangement will save customers $900 million over the reactors' working lives, with Google receiving the clean energy credits in exchange for funding the upgrades. The project still needs regulatory approval from the Georgia Public Service Commission and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Licenses for Hatch are expected in Q2 2027 and for Vogtle Units 1 and 2 in Q4 2028. The deal also complements a new 128 MW battery storage facility in Georgia, which stores solar power for four hours of evening peak demand. Together, these steps help meet rising electricity demand from data centers while keeping the grid reliable and reducing emissions.