Meta plans to use nuclear energy for its data centers.

Meta has revealed its intention to use nuclear energy to power its data centers in the United States. The company has begun receiving proposals from nuclear energy developers to carry out the project, aiming to increase nuclear power capacity by one to four gigawatts “starting in the early years of 2030.”

In its request for proposals, Meta mentions that it seeks partners with experience, whether in Small Modular Reactors (SMR) or larger nuclear reactors. Additionally, it is reported that the location of potential nuclear sites is not a determining factor, as the company is “geographically agnostic.”

Prior to this, plans had been made to build a data center powered by nuclear energy, but those plans were abandoned after a rare species of bee was discovered near the site. In a statement, the company expressed that “as new innovations drive significant technological advances across various sectors and support economic growth, we believe nuclear energy can contribute by providing a steady baseload power necessary to support the growth of electric grids that power both our data centers and surrounding communities.”

Meta is not the only major tech company exploring this option. Google recently announced an agreement for the construction of several reactors in the United States, aiming to add 500 megawatts of nuclear energy from SMRs. Meanwhile, Microsoft has also expressed its interest this year in reviving the Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Pennsylvania as part of its plans for artificial intelligence development.