Meta embraces nuclear power for AI, following tech giants' lead

Interestingly, Constellation's Clinton Clean Energy Centre was initially scheduled to shut down in 2017 due to ongoing financial struggles. However, a legislative push in Illinois established a zero-emission credit program, which allowed the plant to stay operational until 2027. The Meta-Constellation deal is set to begin in June 2027, coinciding with the expiration of the state's taxpayer-funded zero-emission credits.

With Meta joining the fold, the Clinton plant will increase its clean energy output by 30 megawatts, ensuring the preservation of 1,100 local jobs and generating $13.5 million in annual tax revenue, as stated by the companies involved. “Securing clean, reliable energy is critical for advancing our AI goals,” remarked Urvi Parekh, Meta's head of global energy.

Constellation, which owns the defunct Three Mile Island nuclear power plant, recently announced plans to restart that facility to provide Microsoft with power for its data centers. Three Mile Island, located just outside Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was the site of the worst commercial nuclear power accident in U.S. history in 1979.

Last fall, Amazon revealed its investment in small nuclear reactors, shortly after similar commitments were made by Google. Furthermore, Google announced last month that it would invest in three advanced nuclear energy projects with Elementl Power.

Across the U.S., states are strategizing on how to meet the tech industry's energy needs as policymakers consider expanding subsidies and easing regulatory hurdles. In the last year, 25 states passed legislation supporting advanced nuclear energy, and over 200 bills promoting nuclear initiatives have been introduced this year, according to the Nuclear Energy Institute.

Advanced reactor designs from competing companies are currently in the federal government’s regulatory pipeline, as the industry promotes them as a trustworthy, climate-friendly solution to satisfy the electricity demands of tech giants keen to power their rapidly growing AI platforms. Additionally, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are also investing in solar and wind technologies, which generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gases.