Meta Bets Big on Nuclear Power and $10B on AI Data Center to Meet its Sustainability Target

Meta is making a bold move toward clean energy innovation by embracing nuclear power. On December 3, the company announced its plan to collaborate with nuclear power developers to meet growing electricity demands and achieve its artificial intelligence (AI) and environmental goals.

The social media giant announced in its press release,

“Our aim is to add 1-4 GW of new nuclear generation capacity in the U.S. to be delivered starting in the early 2030s. We are looking to identify developers that can help accelerate the availability of new nuclear generators and create sufficient scale to achieve material cost reductions by deploying multiple units, both to provide for Meta’s future energy needs and to advance broader industry decarbonization.”

This strategic decision highlights how nuclear energy will support future technology and sustainability needs.

Meta’s Collaborative Approach to Nuclear Development

To put this in perspective, a typical U.S. nuclear plant produces about 1 GW of electricity. As electric grids and AI infrastructure expand, energy demand will inevitably rise.

This is why Meta plans to bet big on nuclear power to boost electric grids with reliable, low-carbon energy sources. Subsequently, the company will release a request for proposals (RFP) to attract nuclear energy developers who will support its AI and sustainability goals.

They are precisely looking for developers to fast-track new nuclear generators that can lower costs through scalable deployment. Meta will work closely with its partners who will be responsible for designing, financing, building, and operating the nuclear plants with a long-term and strategic approach.

Meta plans to engage in nuclear projects right from the initiation stage to tackle challenges and create agreements crafted according to the needs of the technology. However, this is not something new, they have followed the same strategy and have achieved success with renewable energy. Notably early partnerships led to innovative and mutually beneficial contracts.

READ MORE: ENGIE Powers Up Meta: New 260 MW Solar Deal Fuels Net-Zero Goals

Why Meta Wants to Invest in Nuclear?

Meta has always been an advocate for renewable energy adoption, having matched its global operations with 100% clean and renewable energy since 2020.

To date, the company has secured over 12,000 MW of renewable energy contracts, spanning solar, wind, and battery storage projects. Recently, it added geothermal energy to its portfolio.

However, nuclear energy offers a unique opportunity. Unlike solar and wind, nuclear power provides consistent energy output regardless of weather conditions. Meta considers this as crucial for ensuring grid reliability due to rising AI workloads and surging energy demands from data centers.

Yet, nuclear projects are significantly different. They are more capital-intensive, involve longer development timelines, and face stringent regulatory hurdles. Despite these challenges, their extended operational lifespan and potential to reduce carbon emissions make them an attractive option for long-term energy planning.

Additionally, as they look ahead to partnerships across multiple projects and locations, this approach will enable strategic deployment. Furthermore, the RFP process will help Meta address these opportunities carefully and thoughtfully, ensuring all factors are considered.

MUST READ: More Power per Punch: Nuclear Energy Outshines Fossil Fuels

Meta Partners with Entergy on $10B AI Data Center Infrastructure Boost

Following its announcement about its nuclear endeavors, Meta unveiled plans to invest $10 billion in constructing its largest AI data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana. This hyperscale facility will handle massive data processing demands essential for advanced digital infrastructure and AI workloads.

To power this enormous facility sustainably, Meta has partnered with utility provider Entergy. Together, they aim to match the data center’s electricity use with 100% clean and renewable energy. Entergy plans to enhance its grid with clean, efficient power plants and will contribute at least 1,500 MW of new renewable energy through its Geaux Zero program.

Meta is also committed to supporting local communities. The company has pledged up to $1 million annually to Entergy’s “The Power to Care” program, which assists low-income ratepayers. Entergy Louisiana will match this contribution, amplifying its impact.

Kevin Janda, Meta Director of Data Center Strategy said,

“Meta is building the future of human connection and the technology that makes it possible. And this data center will be an important part of that mission. “Richland Parish in Louisiana is an outstanding location for Meta to call home for a number of reasons. It provides great access to infrastructure, a reliable grid, a business-friendly climate, and wonderful community partners that have helped us move this project forward. We’re thrilled to be a new member of the Richland Parish community and are committed to investing in its long-term vitality.”

Meta’s Impressive Emissions Reductions in 2023

According to Meta’s latest sustainability report, Since 2021, Meta has slashed its overall emissions by a staggering 16.4 million metric tons of CO2e through renewable energy efforts.

In 2023, Meta reported net emissions of 7.4 million metric tons of CO2e, adhering to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol for transparency. Once again through renewable energy procurement, the tech titan cut operational emissions by 5.1 million tons of CO2e.

They used renewable energy certificates to tackle Scope 3 emissions linked to fuel use, consumer hardware like Meta Quest headsets, and remote work. This reduced value chain emissions by 1.4 million tons of CO2e in 2023 alone.

Here’s how the company is delivering on its climate commitments:

Reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% from 2021 levels by 2031.
By 2026, two-thirds of suppliers are expected to adopt science-based emissions targets.
Keep Scope 3 emissions at or below 2021 levels by 2031.

Source: Meta

These milestones reflect Meta’s ongoing approach to shrinking its carbon footprint.

As Meta scales its AI capabilities and data infrastructure, sustainability remains a core priority. By combining renewable energy, nuclear power, and community support, Meta is setting a new standard for sustainable innovation in the tech industry.

See how other tech giants are turning to nuclear to sustain their AI and data center expansion plans:

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