Meta has announced its plan to seek nuclear power developers to help meet its ambitious AI and environmental goals, with the company aiming to add 1 to 4 gigawatts of new U.S. nuclear capacity by the early 2030s. This comes amid growing energy demands driven by the expansion of AI and data centers, with projections indicating that U.S. data center power consumption will triple between 2023 and 2030.

Meta’s focus on nuclear energy is driven by the need for cleaner, reliable, and diversified energy sources, essential for powering its AI operations. The company has recognized that as AI technologies scale, the energy requirements of its data centers will increase significantly, and traditional renewable sources like wind and solar may not suffice to meet these demands alone. To address this, Meta is exploring both small modular reactors and larger nuclear plants, aiming to establish a stable, long-term energy solution.

The request-for-proposal (RFP) process initiated by Meta reflects the complexities of nuclear energy projects, which involve substantial capital, lengthy development timelines, and extensive regulatory requirements. Despite these challenges, nuclear energy is increasingly seen as a viable solution to power high-demand industries like AI, with other major tech companies, including Microsoft, Amazon, and Google, already pursuing similar initiatives. However, obstacles such as regulatory hurdles, uranium supply issues, and local opposition to nuclear power remain key concerns.

By embracing nuclear energy, Meta hopes to become a leader in sustainable AI infrastructure, positioning itself as one of the first major tech companies to integrate nuclear power into its data center operations. The company’s proposal underscores the growing importance of nuclear energy in the future of AI development and the need for innovative, scalable energy solutions that align with environmental goals.