Meta Releases RFP for 1-4 GW of New Nuclear Capacity to Power AI and Sustainability Goals

Meta has announced a request for proposals (RFP) to identify nuclear energy developers capable of delivering 1-4 gigawatts (GW) of new nuclear generation capacity in the United States, starting in the early 2030s. This initiative aims to add nuclear energy to Meta’s existing portfolio of clean energy sources, which already includes solar, wind, and geothermal projects, further supporting the company’s sustainability and artificial intelligence (AI) ambitions.

Meta’s RFP invites qualified nuclear energy developers to partner on multiple projects that will help reduce costs and accelerate deployment. Interested developers are encouraged to submit an intake form to receive further guidance, with initial proposals due by February 7. Meta’s goal is to ensure that its data centers and the surrounding communities benefit from a stable, clean power source, contributing to the overall resilience of the energy grid.

The move towards nuclear is part of Meta’s strategy to meet the growing energy demands driven by advancing technologies like AI. Nuclear energy provides the firm, baseload power that is essential for powering Meta’s data centers reliably, especially as the company expands its capacity for AI-driven computing. In a blog post, Meta explained, “We are taking an open approach with this RFP so we can partner with others across the industry to bring new nuclear energy to the grid.”

Meta is specifically looking for developers capable of deploying new nuclear reactors safely and on an accelerated timeline, with a view to forming long-term partnerships for the reliable and economic operation of these plants. The company also highlighted the need to engage nuclear projects early in their development lifecycle, given the longer timelines and capital-intensive nature of nuclear energy compared to other renewables.

This nuclear energy initiative follows Meta’s continued investment in clean power. The company has signed contracts for over 12,000 MW of renewable energy worldwide, achieving 100% clean energy for its operations since 2020. In August, Meta announced a partnership with Sage Geosystems to supply up to 150 MW of geothermal power to its data centers beginning in 2027. Meta’s nuclear RFP aligns with recent industry moves by other tech giants such as Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, who are also turning to nuclear to sustainably meet their expanding energy needs.

As Meta plans for its next decade of growth, especially with its focus on AI and new technologies, the company remains committed to supporting a reliable energy grid while advancing its sustainability goals. By incorporating nuclear energy, Meta aims not only to support its future energy requirements but also to contribute to broader industry decarbonization efforts.