- Meta’s Nuclear Energy Pursuit: Meta is seeking proposals for up to 4 GW of nuclear capacity to power its data centers by the early 2030s, aligning with its AI innovation and sustainability goals. The company is looking for developers experienced in community engagement, development, permitting, and execution, with a focus on small modular reactors (SMRs) or larger nuclear reactors.
- Focus on Scaling Nuclear Energy: Meta plans to scale nuclear energy by deploying multiple SMRs to reduce material costs and enhance efficiency. This aligns with broader industry decarbonization goals while ensuring a reliable, carbon-free power source to meet the energy-intensive needs of data centers and AI.
- Collaborations for Long-Term Deployment: Meta is aware of the challenges of nuclear energy—including high costs, longer construction times, and regulatory hurdles—and intends to engage with developers earlier in the project lifecycle to ensure timely deployment, smooth operation, and alignment with its long-term sustainability and energy needs.
Meta is following in the footsteps of other tech giants, such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, in the growing push for nuclear energy. The company is seeking proposals for American nuclear reactors, with plans to acquire up to 4 GW of new nuclear generation capacity to power its energy-intensive data centers by the early 2030s. The goal of this request is to identify nuclear developers who can help Meta meet its AI innovation and sustainability objectives.
As the parent company of major social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, Meta has issued a formal request for proposals (RFP). In its notice announcing the RFP, Meta stated, “We are seeking developers with strong community engagement, development, and permitting, and execution expertise that have development opportunities for new nuclear energy resources – either small modular reactors or larger nuclear reactors.” Meta’s open approach aims to strategically partner with industry leaders to provide from 1 to 4 GW of nuclear capacity in the United States, specifically for its data centers. The deadline for RFP qualifications is January 3, with initial proposals due by February 7.
Meta is particularly focused on scaling nuclear energy through the deployment of multiple SMRs. This approach could help reduce material costs and increase deployment efficiency, making nuclear energy more accessible and affordable. This decision also aligns with broader industry decarbonization goals. Nuclear energy offers round-the-clock, carbon-free power, a critical feature for meeting the intensive energy needs of data centers and artificial intelligence. Several other major tech companies are already investing in nuclear energy, with Amazon committing $500 million to SMR development, Microsoft investing in reviving the Unit 1 reactor at Three Mile Island, and Google heavily funding various nuclear reactor developers.
Unlike renewable sources such as solar or wind, which are intermittent, nuclear energy provides continuous, reliable power, which is vital for ensuring stability in data center operations. Meta acknowledges the challenges that come with nuclear energy, including its capital-intensive nature, longer construction times, and increased regulatory requirements. Nuclear plants also have longer operational cycles, requiring early engagement within the lifecycle to accommodate operational needs in contracts. Therefore, Meta plans to engage with chosen developers earlier in the project lifecycle to ensure timely deployment and smooth operation of the reactors.
By actively seeking partnerships with nuclear developers, Meta is positioning itself to meet its substantial energy demands while aligning with the industry’s broader sustainability goals. With nuclear energy offering a reliable, carbon-free, and round-the-clock energy supply, Meta is ensuring its energy needs are met as it expands its data centers and continues to scale its AI operations.
