Meta Expands Nuclear Energy Pursuit to Power AI Data Centers

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has issued a call for proposals to develop nuclear reactors by the early 2030s, aiming to generate between one and four gigawatts of power.

The initiative marks Meta’s entry into the growing trend among tech giants, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, to adopt nuclear energy as a zero-carbon solution for powering energy-intensive AI data centers.

In its request for proposals (RFP), Meta seeks partners who can handle every aspect of nuclear project development—from site selection and permitting to design, construction, and operation.

“We want partners who will be there from start to finish,” said Urvi Parekh, Meta’s head of global energy.

She emphasized that Meta is open to innovative solutions and cost-sharing during the development phase to mitigate industry hesitancy in committing the necessary capital.

Meta’s approach is geographically flexible, recognizing that the best locations for nuclear deployment may not align directly with its data center sites. The company is focused on creating a robust pipeline of nuclear projects to ensure reliable, scalable energy for both its facilities and the surrounding communities.

The move aligns Meta with other major tech companies investing in nuclear energy. Microsoft recently secured a deal to receive nuclear power from the revitalized Three Mile Island facility, while Google partnered with Kairos Power to acquire energy from small modular reactors. These investments reflect the tech industry’s increasing reliance on nuclear power to meet the escalating energy demands driven by advancements in AI.

Meta’s announcement underscores the parallels between its nuclear ambitions and its long-standing commitment to renewable energy. Over the past decade, the company has invested in wind and solar projects, and now it hopes to leverage similar strategies in the nuclear sector. Parekh noted that just as Meta ensured demand for renewable electricity early on, it aims to provide certainty for nuclear developers.

Meta is accepting initial proposals until February 7, 2024, and is targeting project delivery in the early 2030s. The company’s goal is to simultaneously meet its data center energy needs and contribute to grid reliability, reinforcing its sustainability commitments.

With input from Axios and Business Insider.