Meta actively embraces nuclear energy to support data centers in the United States
Meta is seeking up to 4 gigawatts of new nuclear power to support its data center's electricity needs. The company has requested developers to submit proposals to provide reactor capacity starting in the early 2030s. Meta aims to meet its artificial intelligence power demands through nuclear energy, despite the challenges of high costs and long construction timelines associated with nuclear power development. Meta will consider large traditional reactors and small modular designs while investing in advanced reactor technologies alongside other tech giants such as Amazon and Alphabet
The Zhitong Finance APP noted that Meta (META.US) is seeking up to 4 gigawatts of new nuclear power to find a reliable power source for its data centers.
According to a statement on Tuesday, Meta has requested developers to submit proposals to provide reactor capacity ranging from 1 gigawatt to 4 gigawatts starting in the early 2030s. Commercial nuclear reactors can generate about 1 gigawatt of electricity, enough to meet the power needs of 750,000 average households.
Meta is accelerating the development of clean energy to meet the enormous power demands of its artificial intelligence ambitions. Like other tech giants Amazon and Alphabet, the company is now also seeking a tempting but difficult-to-develop energy source—nuclear power. Reactors are expected to provide clean energy around the clock, but due to high costs and long construction times, power companies are not very interested in building reactors. Well-funded tech companies may be able to accelerate the construction of the next wave of nuclear power plants.
“They are willing to take on more early financial risks,” said Adam Stein, director of nuclear innovation at the Breakthrough Institute. “Utility companies cannot keep up with the demands of tech companies.”
Meta stated that it will consider both large traditional reactors and small modular designs, which may be deployed faster and at lower costs but have not yet been tested.
Previously, Alphabet and Amazon announced investments in companies developing advanced reactor technologies. Microsoft has agreed to purchase power from Constellation Energy Corp.'s reactors planned to be restarted at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania.
Although there is currently almost no nuclear power construction activity in the United States, Stein stated that Meta's goal of achieving nuclear power within the next decade is feasible.
“There are definitely some candidates that may be ready in the early 2030s,” he said. “If they can start as soon as possible.”