Meta Follows Steps of Tech Giants, Looks to Nuclear Energy to Power AI and Sustainability Goals

• Meta releases RFP for 1-4 GW of new U.S. nuclear capacity starting in early 2030s.
• Aims to partner with developers for multiple units to reduce costs and accelerate deployment.
• Continues commitment to clean energy, adding nuclear to its portfolio of solar, wind, and geothermal projects.

Meta has announced a request for proposals (RFP) to identify nuclear energy developers capable of delivering 1-4 gigawatts (GW) of new nuclear generation capacity in the United States, starting in the early 2030s. Qualified developers are invited to fill out an intake form to receive further guidance on the RFP process, with initial proposals due by February 7.

Why it matters:

Advancing technologies like artificial intelligence requires robust and sustainable energy sources. Meta believes nuclear energy can provide the firm, baseload power necessary to support both its data centers and the communities around them.

The details:

• Open Partnership Approach: “We are taking an open approach with this RFP so we can partner with others across the industry to bring new nuclear energy to the grid,” Meta stated in a blog post.
• Accelerated Deployment: The company seeks developers capable of safely deploying new reactors on an accelerated timeline and working with Meta over the long term to operate the plants reliably and economically.
• Strategic Engagement: “These differences mean we need to engage nuclear energy projects earlier in their development lifecycle and consider their operational requirements when designing a contract,” Meta noted, emphasizing the need to consider the capital-intensive nature and longer development timelines of nuclear projects compared to renewables.

Context:

• Expanding Clean Energy Portfolio: Meta has a history of investing in renewable energy, with over 12,000 MW of renewable energy contracts worldwide. The company has matched its global operations with 100% clean and renewable energy since 2020.
• Recent Moves in Clean Firm Power: In August, Meta announced a partnership with Sage Geosystems to provide up to 150 MW of geothermal power to its data centers beginning in 2027.
• Industry Trend: Meta’s nuclear RFP follows similar announcements from other tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, all investing in nuclear energy projects to meet growing energy demands sustainably.

Looking ahead:

As Meta plans for its next decade of innovation and growth, especially in AI, the company is committed to contributing to a reliable grid and advancing its sustainability commitments.

The bottom line: By integrating nuclear energy into its energy mix, Meta aims to support its future energy needs while advancing broader industry decarbonization efforts.

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