Meta has signed a 20-year deal with Constellation Energy Illinois to secure nuclear power for its growing artificial intelligence and computing needs. The agreement, announced Tuesday, will expand the output of the Clinton Clean Energy Center plant by 30 megawatts, preserving 1,100 local jobs and generating $13.5 million in annual tax revenue.
The deal comes as tech companies such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft invest heavily in nuclear power to meet their energy demands for AI and data centers. The US government has also been exploring ways to support advanced nuclear energy, with 25 states passing legislation last year to promote the industry.
However, experts warn that quadrupling nuclear production in the US within 25 years may be unrealistic due to the lack of next-generation reactors and investment in transmission grids. Advanced reactor designs are being touted as a reliable and climate-friendly solution, but more funding is needed to support their development and deployment.
The agreement is seen as a significant step towards securing clean and reliable energy for Meta’s AI ambitions, with George Gross, professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Illinois, estimating that 30 additional megawatts would be enough to power a city with 30,000 residents for one year.
Source: https://abc7chicago.com/post/meta-turns-constellation-energy-illinois-nuclear-power-plant-ai-needs/16654801