Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook, is making a significant move in the energy sector by seeking nuclear energy developers to power its artificial intelligence (AI) ambitions. The company has announced its intention to acquire 1 to 4 gigawatts of new nuclear generation capacity, with delivery expected to commence in the early 2030s.

This strategic initiative is part of Meta's broader plan to address the rapidly growing energy demands driven by the AI boom while simultaneously advancing its sustainability commitments. The company is issuing a request for proposals to identify nuclear energy developers with expertise in permitting and community engagement, aiming to meet both its AI objectives and sustainability goals.

Meta's approach aligns with a growing trend among major tech companies turning to nuclear power to meet the energy needs of AI data centers. Nuclear energy is attractive due to its ability to provide clean, constant power necessary for the infrastructure that supports the training and running of AI models.

This move by Meta follows similar initiatives by other tech giants. Microsoft recently struck a deal with Constellation Energy to revive part of the Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Pennsylvania, securing nuclear power for the next two decades. Google has also entered the nuclear arena, purchasing energy from Kairos Power, a California-based company developing small modular reactors.

Meta's foray into nuclear energy signifies a pivotal shift in how tech companies are approaching their energy needs. It highlights the increasing intersection between the tech sector and the energy industry, driven by the exponential growth in data processing requirements for AI technologies. This trend could potentially reshape the energy landscape, promoting further investment and innovation in nuclear power as a key component of the clean energy transition.