TLDR:
- Meta is seeking 1-4 gigawatts of nuclear reactor capacity for its data centers, starting in early 2030s
- The company will consider both traditional large reactors and small modular reactor designs
- Meta joins other tech giants (Amazon, Google, Microsoft) in pursuing nuclear power for AI and data operations
- The initiative aims to support both Meta’s operations and broader grid decarbonization
- Meta specifically wants developers with community engagement and execution expertise
Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, announced Tuesday its intention to acquire between 1 and 4 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity to run its US data centers. The initiative, set to begin in the early 2030s, represents one of the largest private sector commitments to nuclear energy in recent years.
The company released a request for proposals (RFP) seeking developers who can provide either conventional large reactors or small modular reactors (SMRs). One gigawatt of nuclear power capacity typically provides enough electricity to power approximately 750,000 homes, indicating the scale of Meta’s energy requirements.
The timing of the announcement aligns with Meta’s growing energy needs, particularly driven by its artificial intelligence operations. The tech giant’s data centers require constant, reliable power to maintain operations, making nuclear energy an attractive option due to its ability to provide round-the-clock clean energy.
Meta’s approach to nuclear power acquisition shows flexibility in terms of reactor types. The company expressed openness to both traditional large-scale nuclear facilities and newer small modular reactor designs, though the latter remains largely untested in commercial applications.
The announcement places Meta among several major technology companies pursuing nuclear power options. Microsoft recently agreed to purchase power from a reactor at the Three Mile Island site in Pennsylvania, while both Alphabet and Amazon have invested in companies developing advanced reactor technologies.
Meta’s RFP specifically seeks developers with strong community engagement experience and proven execution capabilities. This requirement suggests the company recognizes the complexity of nuclear power projects and the importance of community support in successful development.
The early 2030s timeline for power delivery reflects the lengthy development and construction period typically associated with nuclear projects. Industry experts, including Adam Stein from the Breakthrough Institute, suggest this timeline is feasible if work begins promptly.
Nuclear Power Initiatives
Meta’s initiative comes at a time when traditional utility companies have shown reluctance to build new nuclear facilities, citing high costs and extended construction timelines. The tech sector’s willingness to take on early financial risk could help accelerate the development of new nuclear plants.
In Louisiana, Meta has already demonstrated its commitment to securing reliable power sources. Entergy, a major southeastern utility, recently announced plans to construct a 1,500-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant specifically to support a Meta data center in the region.
The company emphasized that its nuclear power initiative aims to serve dual purposes: meeting Meta’s future energy needs while advancing broader industry decarbonization efforts. The scale of deployment could potentially help achieve cost reductions through multiple unit installations.
Currently, nuclear construction activity in the United States remains limited. However, Meta’s substantial commitment could help catalyze new development in the sector. The company’s willingness to commit to long-term power purchase agreements may provide the financial certainty developers need to pursue new projects.
Meta’s approach includes seeking developers who can accelerate the availability of new nuclear generators. This acceleration could help create economies of scale, potentially reducing costs for future nuclear projects.
The initiative aligns with Meta’s sustainability objectives while addressing its growing power needs. Nuclear power offers a carbon-free electricity source that can operate continuously, making it particularly suitable for data center operations.
Meta’s RFP indicates the company will evaluate proposals based on multiple criteria, including development expertise, permitting experience, and community engagement capabilities. These requirements reflect the complex nature of nuclear power development.
The announcement represents a concrete step toward securing long-term, clean energy supplies for Meta’s operations while potentially influencing the broader energy landscape in the United States.
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