Amazon Introduces Potential Calvert County Data Center, Emphasizes Infrastructure, Workforce And Growth

Amazon Web Services (AWS) representatives held a community open house in Prince Frederick, Md., to discuss a potential data center campus near the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant in Calvert County. Becky Ford of Amazon's economic development team indicated that the company is evaluating a partnership with Constellation Energy for the site, but emphasized that the project is in early stages with no formal proposals or site plans yet submitted to the county. The preliminary concept involves up to eight buildings on land already zoned for heavy industrial use, chosen for its proximity to energy sources, potential for water reuse, and access to a skilled workforce. Mason Emnett, senior vice president of public policy for Constellation Energy, confirmed AWS's interest in becoming a long-term customer at the Calvert Cliffs site, viewing it as an opportunity for economic development and to support the nuclear plant's long-term viability by pairing it with a large energy user. Community members raised concerns about water usage and electricity. Ford explained that AWS data centers primarily use air-cooling, with water only for limited periods. Emnett added that any water usage would be sourced from Constellation’s existing Chesapeake Bay cooling water supply, to be recycled and reused without requiring new withdrawals. Mike Fradette, principal for AWS energy strategy, highlighted the site's unique access to reliable nuclear power and multiple high-voltage transmission lines, and stressed that Amazon would fund its own power infrastructure, including substations, to ensure costs are not passed to residential ratepayers. Calvert County Commissioner Mark Cox clarified that these initial meetings are for gathering public input, as no site plans or permits have been submitted. He noted that Calvert County already has zoning in place for data centers in two heavy industrial areas, including the Constellation Energy site. Cox also highlighted the potential for significant annual tax revenue and one-time transfer taxes from the project, which could address county budget pressures. Regional union leaders from Steamfitters Local 602 and IBEW Local 26 spoke about the creation of hundreds of high-paying construction and operational jobs, apprenticeship opportunities, and the economic benefits of retaining wages within the county.