Meta Explores Nuclear Power Developers for Future Reactors in the Early 2030s

Meta seeks proposals from nuclear power developers to support AI and environmental goals. Plans to add 1 to 4 gigawatts of new U.S. nuclear generation capacity in the early 2030s. Challenges in meeting rising power demand with nuclear reactors due to regulatory, supply, and opposition issues.

Credit: META

This move aligns with a growing trend among major tech companies showing interest in nuclear power to meet the anticipated surge in electricity demand.

The company aims to incorporate 1 to 4 gigawatts of new U.S. nuclear generation capacity, with plans set to commence in the early 2030s. A standard U.S. nuclear plant typically has a capacity of around 1 gigawatt. Meta expressed its belief in the pivotal role of nuclear energy in transitioning towards a cleaner, more reliable, and diversified electric grid.

According to estimates by Goldman Sachs, U.S. data center power consumption is projected to triple between 2023 and 2030, necessitating approximately 47 gigawatts of new generation capacity. However, meeting the escalating power demand with nuclear reactors poses challenges due to regulatory constraints, potential uranium fuel supply issues, and local opposition.

In a notable industry development, Microsoft and Constellation Energy recently revealed plans to revive a unit at the Three Mile Island plant in Pennsylvania, marking the first-ever restart for a data center. This initiative follows a similar agreement earlier in the year, where Amazon.com acquired a nuclear-powered data center from Talen Energy.

Meta is actively seeking developers with expertise in community engagement, development, permitting, and is open to considering small modular reactors or larger nuclear reactors akin to the current U.S. nuclear plant fleet. The company has invited submissions from interested developers until February 7, 2025, as part of the request for proposals process.

Explaining the rationale behind the request-for-proposal approach, Meta highlighted that nuclear projects, compared to renewable energy ventures like solar and wind, are more capital-intensive, have longer development timelines, and are subject to stringent regulatory requirements. The company aims to approach these projects meticulously and thoughtfully through the RFP process.

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• Meta seeks proposals from nuclear power developers to support AI and environmental goals.

• Plans to add 1 to 4 gigawatts of new U.S. nuclear generation capacity in the early 2030s.

• Challenges in meeting rising power demand with nuclear reactors due to regulatory, supply, and opposition issues.

Source: REUTERS