Meta also invests in nuclear power to power its AI systems

US tech giant Meta has signed a 20-year nuclear power supply agreement with Constellation Energy. The company, which operates social networks such as Facebook and Instagram, is responding to rising energy needs associated with the development of artificial intelligence (AI). Microsoft, Google and Amazon have also signed similar agreements recently.

The rapid development of AI and the massive growth in data centres are driving ever-higher energy consumption. Meta is therefore betting on stable, emissions-free nuclear power to meet the growing demand from its servers. Microsoft, for example, recently revived the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant, also in partnership with Constellation Energy.

Meta announced the agreement earlier this week. The contract will take effect in 2027 and ensure a reliable power supply for the company’s energy-intensive AI systems. The electricity will come from the Clinton Clean Energy Center nuclear power plant in Illinois. The plant has a capacity of 1,121 MW and generates enough electricity each year for around 800,000 households. It also contributes more than $13.5 million to local tax revenues and provides over 1,100 jobs.

Meta says the agreement will not only guarantee the plant’s long-term operation, but also enable 30 MW of new capacity to be added to the local grid. The project will support the stability of US power grids, which are facing rising energy demand. The company stresses that keeping existing nuclear facilities in operation is just as important as building new ones.

New nuclear projects

Meta also announced that it is continuing to develop nuclear power. As part of its own tender for new nuclear projects, the company received more than 50 qualified proposals from over 20 US states. Meta is now evaluating a shortlist of the most promising projects, which are expected to contribute to its goal of developing between 1 and 4 GW of new capacity.

According to Meta, nuclear power is a key source of stable, clean electricity, without which future data centres and AI systems could not operate effectively. The company also sees investment in nuclear power as a way to support local economies and strengthen US energy security.