Meta is investing heavily in new nuclear power capacity to meet the growing energy demands of its data centers, marking a significant shift in its strategy. The company will issue a formal request for proposals from developers to build between one and four gigawatts of new nuclear reactors, aiming to secure a reliable source of electricity to support its artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives. This move comes as Big Tech companies, including Meta, have been exploring ways to tap into nuclear power to fuel their AI expansions. However, the announcement is also overshadowed by concerns about gas-based energy alternatives. Despite having deep pockets, Big Tech’s haste to secure new nuclear capacity may be a response to the limited nature of existing deals, which mostly involve purchasing electricity from already operational plants or reviving closed reactors.
Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2024-12-04/meta-flirts-with-nuclear-for-ai-it-s-still-married-to-gas