GoKawiil
Tech News
Google and Constellation Energy have agreed to a nuclear power deal described as the largest-ever 'uprate' project, a process that increases electricity output from existing reactors rather than building new ones. The agreement links a major tech company with a nuclear operator to expand capacity at current plants.
Google has agreed to a 20-year power purchase deal with Constellation Energy to fund efficiency upgrades at 11 reactors across six nuclear plant sites in Illinois, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The agreement represents more than $4.3 billion in new investment and is expected to add about 890 megawatts of nuclear capacity within five years. Google also signed a separate 15-year supply deal with Constellation covering other power plants on the PJM grid, regardless of fuel type.
A selection of ten companies are developing advanced solutions such as mobile flood barriers, solid-state batteries, and nuclear reactors to combat climate change. These firms exemplify key shifts in climate technology, including energy-intensive AI infrastructure. The list aims to highlight the most impactful players tackling urgent environmental issues.
Several technological advancements are shaping the future of computing, including AI-driven chip design tools, next-generation workstations optimized for advanced GPUs, and improved methods for data transfer in AI applications. These innovations extend beyond raw processing speed, focusing on data transmission, power efficiency, and system reliability in data centers.
Wired reports that starting in 2027, more than 100 data center projects in rural areas could become eligible for expanded Opportunity Zone tax benefits. These projects are at various stages of development, with the potential to benefit from new federal incentives aimed at boosting rural economic activity. The research was conducted by Searchlight Institute, which identified these facilities within a conservative database of fewer than 700 projects.
Nokia's CEO, Justin Hotard, stated that data centers could be built twice as quickly if supply chain issues were resolved, emphasizing ongoing demand for AI infrastructure. He noted shortages of memory chips and energy as current constraints and expressed confidence that the sector remains in early growth stages. Nokia has shifted focus to AI-related connectivity technology, boosting investor confidence with a 130% stock increase over the past year.
Russian jet-powered drones have increasingly targeted Ukrainian data centers, causing widespread Internet outages and disrupting mobile services, especially in Kyiv. Ukrainian officials warn that these attacks threaten the country's digital infrastructure and could impact public services and the economy. The campaign has intensified over recent weeks, with multiple providers and facilities being hit within days, indicating a strategic effort to weaken Ukraine’s digital resilience.
Amazon announced it will stop requiring nondisclosure agreements with government agencies on data center projects, part of a new Data Center Commitment program. The company also pledged more than $1 billion over five years to communities hosting its facilities, and said it will hold community open houses, disclose energy and water usage annually, and use EPA Tier 4-compliant backup generators at new sites.
Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman published a roughly 3,000-word post on October 2 arguing that local opposition to data center construction threatens America's position in the AI race. He said $68 billion worth of data center projects were blocked in the second quarter of 2026 alone, and warned that roughly 100 pending moratoriums nationwide could cause lasting economic and national security harm. Garman also outlined Amazon's 'Built Together' program meant to offer more benefits to host communities and sought to rebut common objections to data center buildouts, including concerns about water and power use.
Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman announced a five-year, $1 billion-plus initiative called Built Together to fund local priorities—education, job training, energy affordability, and water conservation—in towns hosting its data centers. Garman said Amazon will also stop using nondisclosure agreements with government partners and will hold open houses to increase transparency about its facilities.
The US Senate voted 57-43 on September 30, falling three votes short of the 60 needed to advance the Ratepayer Protection Act, killing the bill after it had already passed the House. The legislation, introduced by Senator Jon Husted, would have directed state regulators to consider requiring data centers and other large power consumers to cover the infrastructure costs tied to their energy use.
Microsoft is designing landscaping around some of its data centers that includes public hiking trails and restored waterways, aiming to offset the facilities' environmental footprint. The move comes amid growing local opposition to data centers over their heavy land, energy, and water use, as well as noise complaints that have prompted lawsuits in some communities.