Tech Giants Power Up With Nuclear Energy
A Facebook Group That Negotiates a Two-Decade Contract for Nuclear Energy
Joining the league of tech titans, Meta, the parent company behind Facebook, has sealed a 20-year nuclear power deal. This agreement grants Meta access to the entire output of a nuclear power plant in Illinois, courtesy of the plant's operator, Constellation Energy.
This move underscores Meta's substantial investment in AI, with its data centers demanding significant energy and consumption. By securing a constant energy source, Meta ensures the continuity of the plant's 1,121-megawatt operation, even after subsidies end, preventing the plant from shutting down in 2017.
Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are also venturing into nuclear power, recognizing its potential as a clean and dependable energy source for their data centers. Constellation Energy is prepped to revive a reactor at the decommissioned Three Mile Island plant for Microsoft, with a 20-year energy purchase agreement. Google aspires to procure energy from innovative small reactors developed by Kairos Power, starting from 2030. Amazon too is exploring similar technologies, aligning with its ambition to meet its energy demands sustainably.
What's more? Meta's deal with Constellation Energy signifies a 30-megawatt increase in the plant's output, safeguarding over 1,100 jobs, and generating $13.5 million in annual tax revenue. Meta is committed to offsetting 100% of its energy needs with zero-emission sources, including nuclear power, in alignment with its broader eco-friendly goals. Microsoft's nuclear power deal with Constellation Energy is part of its strategy to power its operations with clean energy. Google's investments in nuclear projects include collaborating with Elementl Power to prepare sites for advanced nuclear projects and pledging to support nuclear growth. Amazon has shown interest in small nuclear reactors, viewing them as a viable clean energy source for its expanding operations.
Sources: ntv.de, dpa
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, a pertinent concern in the technology industry, as tech giants, including Meta, Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, venture into nuclear energy for their data centers. This increased use of nuclear power in the finance, energy, and technology sectors demonstrates a shift towards more sustainable and dependable energy resources.
