Meta Plans Nuclear Power for Data Centers

Meta Platforms has announced plans to pursue nuclear energy to meet the growing electricity demands of its artificial intelligence projects, seeking to add 1 to 4 gigawatts of nuclear generation capacity in the U.S. by the early 2030s. The company aims to collaborate with nuclear developers on both traditional large reactors and emerging small modular reactor technologies. Meta joins other tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, who are also exploring nuclear energy as a sustainable power source amid rising electricity demands driven by AI. The Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act has incentivized nuclear energy, although potential changes under a future Trump administration could jeopardize these provisions. Despite safety concerns, there is increasing support for nuclear energy, with state leaders in Utah and Texas advocating for investments in this energy source as part of a broader push for carbon-free solutions. The move underscores a significant trend among tech companies to pursue reliable and low-carbon energy alternatives.