Meta taps atomic energy for AI in Big Tech nuclear trend

Meta‘s new nuclear power deal marks a significant shift in how tech giants are powering AI infrastructure, highlighting a growing trend of partnerships between technology companies and nuclear energy providers. This agreement not only salvages a struggling nuclear facility but also represents the broader tech industry’s strategic pivot toward securing reliable, carbon-free energy sources to fuel the massive computing demands of artificial intelligence systems.

The big picture: Meta has secured a 20-year nuclear power agreement with Constellation Energy to support its growing AI computing needs, continuing a trend of tech-nuclear partnerships.

• The deal will expand the output of Constellation’s Clinton Clean Energy Center in Illinois by 30 megawatts starting in 2027.
• This agreement strategically begins when Illinois’ taxpayer-funded zero-emission credit program expires, ensuring the plant’s continued operation after government subsidies end.

Behind the numbers: The Clinton nuclear plant was previously scheduled to close in 2017 due to financial losses before being rescued by state legislation.

• The Meta partnership will preserve 1,100 local jobs and generate $13.5 million in annual tax revenue.
• The 30-megawatt capacity expansion specifically targets powering Meta’s artificial intelligence operations.

Industry trends: Meta joins several other major tech companies investing in nuclear power and other clean energy sources for their data centers.

• Constellation announced plans in September to restart the Three Mile Island reactor to supply Microsoft’s data centers.
• Amazon has invested in small nuclear reactors while Google has backed three advanced nuclear energy projects with Elementl Power.
• Tech companies are simultaneously pursuing investments in solar and wind technologies to diversify their energy portfolios.

Why this matters: The agreement highlights how AI’s massive energy requirements are reshaping both the tech and energy sectors.

• Urvi Parekh, Meta’s head of global energy, emphasized that “securing clean, reliable energy is necessary to continue advancing our AI ambitions.”
• States are actively competing to attract tech investment, with 25 states passing advanced nuclear energy legislation last year and over 200 supportive bills introduced this year.