Since its inception, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has been at the forefront of technological innovation, consistently pushing boundaries to drive advancements in the digital world. In its latest endeavor, Meta is seeking proposals for up to 4 gigawatts (GW) of new nuclear power capacity by the early 2030s, aiming to align with its ambitious objectives of artificial intelligence (AI) innovation and sustainability. As Meta prepares for this monumental step, the company is inviting nuclear energy developers to submit proposals for 1 GW to 4 GW of new capacity, emphasizing the need for multiple units to reduce costs. Initial proposals are expected by February 7, setting the stage for a transformative decade in the energy sector.
Meta’s initiative represents a significant leap forward as it adopts an open approach with this request for proposals (RFP), aiming to collaborate with various industry partners to bring new nuclear energy to the grid. The company is open to proposals for both large-scale and small modular reactors (SMRs) and is not restricting the number of partners at this stage. The focus will be on partners who have experience in developing and building complex infrastructure projects and who can safely and reliably deploy new reactors on an accelerated schedule. This becomes even more crucial as Meta plans to ensure economic and efficient plant operations over the long term, collaborating closely with proposed partners to achieve these goals.
Aligning Innovation with Sustainability
The Push Toward Nuclear Energy
Acknowledging the differences between nuclear and renewable energy projects, Meta is prioritizing nuclear energy due to its capital-intensive nature, extended development timelines, and stricter regulatory requirements. Unlike renewable energy projects, nuclear endeavors demand earlier engagement in their lifecycle and require comprehensive consideration of operational demands in the contract design. Meta’s approach underscores the importance of integrating nuclear energy as a crucial component of its future energy portfolio, supporting the company’s expansive data center operations and furthering its AI capabilities.
Meta has previously contracted over 12 GW of renewable energy globally and has matched its global operations with 100% clean and renewable energy since 2020. This commitment to renewable energy is a testament to Meta’s dedication to sustainability; however, the company recognizes the need to diversify its energy sources. By pursuing other forms of “clean firm” power, such as geothermal energy, and now nuclear energy, Meta is ensuring it remains at the cutting edge of both technological innovation and environmental stewardship. These efforts are aimed at securing a long-term, reliable, and sustainable power supply that can support Meta’s growth and the increasing demand for data processing and AI capabilities.
Meta’s pursuit of nuclear energy is not an isolated effort but mirrors similar moves from other major technology companies. Microsoft partnered with Constellation Energy in September for a 20-year agreement to support reopening an 835-megawatt (MW) reactor. In October, Google announced a partnership with Kairos Power to establish a 500-MW fleet of advanced reactors by 2035. Amazon also revealed a substantial investment in X-energy to deploy up to 5 GW of new nuclear power capacity by 2039. These industry trends underscore the growing recognition among tech giants of the critical role nuclear energy will play in powering the next generation of technology infrastructure.
Collaboration for Energy Innovation
Engaging Multiple Industry Partners
Meta’s open approach with this RFP signals its intent to collaborate with multiple industry partners to achieve its goals. By inviting proposals for both large-scale and small modular reactors, Meta is emphasizing the need for diverse solutions to meet its ambitious targets. The company’s requirements for potential partners are stringent, focusing on those with experience in developing and building complex infrastructure projects. These partners must also be capable of deploying new reactors on an accelerated schedule and collaborating with Meta over the long term to ensure the economic and efficient operation of the plants.
The emphasis on collaboration highlights Meta’s recognition of the complexity and scale of nuclear energy projects. Unlike renewable energy initiatives, nuclear projects require substantial upfront capital investment, longer development times, and adherence to stricter regulatory frameworks. By working with experienced developers, Meta aims to navigate these challenges effectively, ensuring that the new nuclear capacity is delivered safely, reliably, and efficiently. This collaboration is expected to result in not only economic benefits but also significant advancements in nuclear technology, further shaping the future of sustainable energy for Meta and the wider industry.
Meta’s forward-thinking strategy involves engaging with nuclear projects earlier in their lifecycle, considering their unique operational demands in contract design. This proactive approach allows Meta to better manage the complexities associated with nuclear energy, ensuring that the projects align with its long-term goals. By integrating nuclear energy into its energy mix, Meta is poised to secure a stable and clean power supply that will support its expansive data center operations and AI innovations well into the future. This initiative marks a significant step toward achieving Meta’s vision of a sustainable and technologically advanced world.
Leading the Way in Sustainable Energy
Diversifying the Energy Portfolio
Since its start, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has led technological innovation, continuously pushing boundaries in the digital world. In a major new effort, Meta seeks proposals for up to 4 gigawatts (GW) of new nuclear power capacity by the early 2030s. This move aligns with its goals of artificial intelligence (AI) innovation and sustainability. Meta invites nuclear energy developers to submit proposals for 1 GW to 4 GW of new capacity, emphasizing the need for several units to reduce costs. Initial proposals are expected by February 7, paving the way for a transformative decade in the energy sector.
Meta’s initiative marks a significant advance as it opens the door to collaboration with industry partners through this request for proposals (RFP). The company is accepting proposals for both large-scale reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs) without limiting the number of partners. The focus is on partners with the expertise to develop and build complex infrastructure projects and deploy new reactors safely and efficiently on an accelerated timeline. Meta aims for economically and efficiently operated plants over the long term, planning to work closely with partners to achieve these goals.
