Meta, Facebook's parent company, has announced that it is looking for nuclear energy developers to support its goal of developing artificial intelligence (AI).
This move shows that nuclear energy is gradually becoming a strategic choice for technology giants in the context of strong growth in global electricity demand.
Bold plan
Meta aims to add 1-4 gigawatts (GW) of new nuclear capacity in the United States, according to the announcement. A typical nuclear plant in the United States currently has a capacity of about 1 GW.
“At Meta, we believe nuclear energy will play an important role in building a cleaner, more stable and more diversified electricity grid,” the company stressed in a statement.
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| The logo of the Meta Platforms group of companies is seen in Brussels, Belgium, December 6, 2022. Photo: Reuters |
According to Goldman Sachs, electricity demand at data centers in the US is forecast to triple between 2023 and 2030, requiring about 47 GW of new generating capacity. In particular, AI data centers consume huge amounts of electricity to operate servers and cooling systems.
But meeting this demand quickly with nuclear power is not easy. Companies face a complex approval process from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), difficulties in the uranium fuel supply chain, and opposition from local communities.
Attention from tech giants
Meta isn’t the first tech company to turn its attention to nuclear power. Last September, Microsoft and Constellation Energy announced a deal to restart a unit of its Three Mile Island plant in Pennsylvania, the first time a nuclear facility has been repurposed for a data center.
In March, Amazon also partnered with Talen Energy to acquire a nuclear-powered data center. These moves reflect a shift in how technology companies approach energy sources, to ensure sustainability and meet operational requirements.
Meta said it is looking for developers with experience in community engagement, project development and permitting. The company is open to considering both small nuclear reactors (SMRs), a promising new technology that has not yet been commercialized, and large reactors similar to those currently operating in the United States.
Small reactors are expected to become the ideal solution for data centers thanks to their compact size, flexible manufacturing capabilities and higher safety compared to large reactors. However, high initial development costs and regulatory barriers remain major obstacles.
The United States currently leads the world in the number of SMR projects in the testing phase, with the hope of commercializing the technology in the next decade. If successful, SMRs will provide a major opportunity to integrate nuclear power into high-tech infrastructure.
Nuclear energy for sustainability
Nuclear power is seen as a key factor in achieving global greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), nuclear power currently accounts for about 10% of global electricity supply and is the second largest source of carbon-free electricity generation after hydropower.
In the United States, nuclear power plants provide about 20% of the country’s electricity, or more than 770 billion kWh per year. Compared to fossil fuels, nuclear power not only produces virtually zero carbon emissions, but also provides a more stable source of electricity than renewables like wind and solar.
Meta’s move to nuclear power is not only a way for the company to meet its growing electricity needs, but is also a strategic move toward achieving its sustainability goals. It is also a sign that major tech companies are actively participating in the energy revolution to mitigate the impact of climate change.
With these pioneering steps, Meta not only affirms its leading position in the field of AI but also contributes to promoting the development of the nuclear energy industry. Whether nuclear energy will become a long-term solution for technology companies is still a big question. However, Meta's move will certainly open up important discussions and have a profound impact on the future of the energy industry.
Source: https://congthuong.vn/meta-dat-cuoc-vao-nang-luong-hat-nhan-de-phat-trien-ai-362426.html
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