Meta has announced plans to partner with nuclear energy developers to power its AI operations, aiming to add 1-4 gigawatts of nuclear capacity in the US by the early 2030s. This follows similar moves by Amazon, Google, and Microsoft as tech giants seek sustainable, carbon-free energy for data centers. Meta is exploring both small modular reactors (SMRs) and larger nuclear plants.
While nuclear power is gaining traction as a clean energy solution, challenges remain. New reactors face long lead times, high costs, and regulatory hurdles. Advanced technologies like SMRs aren’t expected to be commercially viable until the 2030s. The Biden administration supports expanding nuclear energy, but broader issues, such as uranium sourcing and waste storage, complicate its role in meeting climate goals.
Source: The Verge
