The year 2024 was again one of change for the power generation industry. Increasing electricity demand projections have brought with them concerns about grid reliability and potential clashes with sustainability goals. New opportunities for natural gas and nuclear power emerged. Utility-scale solar and battery storage capacity additions again broke records. Former President Donald Trump won the November election and is set to take office in January, likely meaning changes for power plant emission rules and clean energy legislative provisions.
As we turn the page toward 2025, we’re taking a look back at some of the biggest headlines throughout the year.
1. Oracle Designing Data Center Powered by Small Modular Reactors – Sept. 11
In a groundbreaking move, Oracle announced it would be designing a data center to be powered by three small modular reactors (SMRs). The company’s Chairman, Larry Ellison, highlighted this project as part of Oracle’s response to the growing electricity demands driven by AI and cloud services. Like other tech companies, Oracle is turning to next-generation nuclear power to support its massive data center operations globally.
2. Vogtle Unit 4 Reaches First Criticality – Feb. 14
Georgia Power announced a significant step with Vogtle Unit 4, marking the achievement of initial criticality, a key milestone in nuclear reactor startup. Unit 4 officially entered commercial operations on April 29. The long-awaited completion of Vogtle’s two new AP-1000 reactors (3 & 4) was a major development in the U.S. nuclear industry after decades without new nuclear units.
3. Here Comes the Gas Boom (Again) – June 19
Natural gas is back in the spotlight as utilities plan for a significant increase in gas plants to ensure grid reliability, amid growing demand for energy from data centers, AI and manufacturing. This re-published article from Burns & McDonnell highlighted long-lead times for equipment and that the gas sector’s role in the energy transition would remain critical in the coming years.
4. Corrosion Cracking at Palisades Nuclear Plant Exceeds Estimates – Oct. 3
The Palisades Nuclear Plant, which ceased operations in 2022, is on the path to unretirement. However, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) found unexpected challenges with stress corrosion cracking in the plant’s steam generators. Despite these setbacks, Holtec International aims to restart the plant in 2025, marking the first-ever recommissioning of a retired U.S. nuclear plant. Holtec also has future plans to install small modular reactors on-site.
5. AWS Acquires Data Center Campus at Susquehanna Nuclear Station – Mar. 5
Amazon Web Services (AWS) acquired a data center campus connected to the Susquehanna Nuclear Station in Pennsylvania, with plans to expand its operations and consume up to 960 MW of power. The deal underscores the growing trend of tech giants and developers seeking reliable, carbon-free nuclear energy for their data centers. In November, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued an order denying a revised Interconnection Service Agreement (ISA) proposal that would have allowed expanded co-located load at the Susquehanna-AWS data center colocation site.
We appreciate the power generation and utility industry for their readership and support. We would like to remind you to register for POWERGEN International, the industry’s leading event, which is back in Dallas at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, February 11-13, 2025.
Sincerely,
Kevin Clark
Content Director, POWERGEN International and Power Engineering
