Meta, the tech giant, is inviting proposals from nuclear power developers to add 1 to 4 gigawatts of U.S. nuclear generation capacity by the early 2030s. This move aligns with the company’s efforts to address rising electricity demand for artificial intelligence and environmental sustainability.
“Nuclear energy will play a pivotal role in transitioning to a cleaner, more reliable, and diversified electric grid,” Meta stated.
The company’s initiative reflects broader trends, with U.S. data center power demand projected to triple by 2030, requiring 47 gigawatts of new generation capacity, according to Goldman Sachs. However, obstacles such as regulatory delays, uranium fuel supply challenges, and local opposition pose hurdles.
Other tech leaders are also exploring nuclear solutions. In September, Microsoft partnered with Constellation Energy to restart a unit at Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island, marking the first such restart for a data center. Similarly, Amazon purchased a nuclear-powered data center earlier this year.
Meta is open to small modular reactors (SMRs), which are in development, or larger conventional reactors. It emphasizes developers’ expertise in community engagement, permitting, and regulatory processes.
Submissions for Meta’s request-for-proposal (RFP) are open until February 7, 2025. The company cited nuclear energy’s higher capital intensity, longer development timelines, and stricter regulations compared to renewable energy as reasons for adopting the RFP approach.
“This process ensures a thorough and thoughtful evaluation of potential projects,” Meta said.
