Meta becomes the latest big tech company turning to nuclear power for AI needs
The agreement announced Tuesday is just the latest in a string of tech-nuclear partnerships as the use of AI expands
Meta Platforms has cut a 20-year deal to secure nuclear power to help meet surging demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and other computing needs at Facebook’s parent company.
The investment with Meta will also expand the output of a Constellation Energy Illinois nuclear plant.
The agreement announced Tuesday is just the latest in a string of tech-nuclear partnerships as the use of AI expands. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.
Constellation’s Clinton Clean Energy Center was actually slated to close in 2017 after years of financial losses but was saved by legislation in Illinois establishing a zero-emission credit programme to support the plant into 2027. The agreement takes effect in June of 2027, when the state’s taxpayer funded zero-emission credit programme expires.
With the arrival of Meta, Clinton’s clean energy output will expand by 30 megawatts, preserve 1,100 local jobs and bring in US$13.5 million in annual tax revenue, according to the companies. The plant currently powers the equivalent of about 800,000 US homes. George Gross, professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Illinois, estimates that 30 additional megawatts would be enough to power a city with about 30,000 residents for one year.
“Securing clean, reliable energy is necessary to continue advancing our AI ambitions,” said Urvi Parekh, Meta’s head of global energy.