The multinational technology company Meta has announced the launch of a Request for Proposals (RFP) aimed at identifying nuclear energy developers that can supply 1.4 GW of capacity to support its operations in the United States. This move underscores the growing interest of the tech sector in nuclear power as a clean and sustainable source to power large-scale data centers.
A Step Towards Nuclear Energy
Meta aims to accelerate the implementation of new nuclear energy facilities that enable significant scale, deploy multiple units, and reduce associated costs. To this end, it will prioritize developers who can handle the entire process, from design and construction to operation and financing of nuclear plants.
Organizations interested in participating in the RFP have until January 3, 2025, to submit an initial application. The final proposals will then be due on February 7, 2025.
This is not Meta’s first foray into the nuclear sector. Last month, the company faced a setback in a project for a data centerA data center or data processing center (DPC) … powered by nuclear energy, due to the discovery of a rare bee species on the land designated for the project.
The Rise of Nuclear Energy in the Tech Sector
Meta is not the only tech company betting on nuclear energy. Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google have announced significant agreements in this area during 2024. For example:
- Microsoft signed a 20-year agreement to utilize 100% of the power from the reactivated Three Mile Island nuclear plant, which has a capacity of 837 MW.
- AWS acquired a data center campus near the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station nuclear plant for $650 million and has signed several agreements for the development of small modular reactors (SMRs).
- Google struck a deal for 500 MW with Kairos Power to develop between six and seven modular reactors, with the first set to become operational in 2030.
A Favorable Context in the U.S.
The Biden administration has prioritized nuclear energy as part of its national energy strategy. The government recently launched a plan to achieve 200 GW of nuclear capacity in the United States by 2050. This plan includes:
- Adding 35 GW of capacity by 2035.
- Developing 15 GW annually starting in 2040.
- $900 million in investments for small modular reactor projects.
- An additional $2.5 billion investment in an advanced demonstration reactor program.
However, with the arrival of new President Donald Trump in January, there is uncertainty about whether these initiatives will continue. Although Trump has expressed support for nuclear energy in the past, he has also indicated potential budget cuts for key federal agencies responsible for its development.
The Future of Data Centers and Nuclear Energy
The growing energy demand from data centers, combined with the sustainability commitments of major tech companies, is driving renewed interest in nuclear energy. This energy source not only ensures high capacity but also emits minimal carbon, aligning with the climate neutrality strategies of companies like Meta.
With initiatives like Meta’s, a future is shaping up in which data centers will increasingly be linked to advanced nuclear technologies, such as SMRs, which promise to be safer and more cost-effective than traditional plants. The evolution of these partnerships will mark a turning point at the intersection of technology and energy sustainability.
via: DC