Meta's pursuit of nuclear energy sparks controversy over power expansion
- Meta is soliciting proposals from nuclear energy developers to enhance its energy capacity for AI development.
- The company aims to secure an additional 1-4 gigawatts of nuclear energy by the early 2030s in the United States.
- This initiative is part of a broader trend where major tech companies are exploring nuclear power to meet growing energy demands and sustainability goals.
Meta has announced its initiative to engage nuclear energy developers to support its operations and sustainability commitments. The company's goal is to harness nuclear energy to enhance its capacity for artificial intelligence developments. Specifically, Meta is looking to add 1 to 4 gigawatts of nuclear generation capacity by the early 2030s in the United States, which reflects the growing energy demands from data centers essential for AI technology. The pursuit of new nuclear power sources includes proposals from developers experienced in innovative nuclear technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Amid rising concerns about energy consumption, particularly from data centers projected to account for about 20-25 gigawatts in hourly energy demand by 2030, major tech companies are actively seeking renewable and clean energy solutions. Meta's move follows similar strategies adopted by other tech giants in recent months, as they invest in nuclear power to ensure reliable energy supply for their advanced operations. Meta stated that, although renewable energy projects like solar and wind take less time to develop, they may not provide the sustained reliability necessary for energy-intensive operations like data centers. Therefore, the company is prioritizing nuclear energy to mitigate the transition challenges and capitalize on large-scale energy production. By engaging in nuclear energy projects, Meta aims not only to boost its own energy capacity but also to reduce costs through scaled developments. The announcement comes during a period when multiple tech firms, including Microsoft and Google, are making significant commitments to invest in nuclear energy sources, reaffirming the industry's collective acknowledgment of the pivotal role nuclear power can play in future energy strategies. As Meta outlines its plans, the nuclear energy sector braces for imminent developments, particularly with the anticipated decisions from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission regarding the reopening of other nuclear facilities, indicating a growing momentum for nuclear energy revival within the tech sector.