Meta (formerly Facebook) has announced a partnership with a nuclear energy startup called Last Energy to explore the use of small modular nuclear reactors to power its artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. The goal is to have the first reactor operational by 2024. Meta’s AI data centers require massive amounts of energy, and the company is seeking alternative energy sources to reduce its carbon footprint. Last Energy’s small modular reactors are designed to be safer, more efficient, and more cost-effective than traditional nuclear power plants. The reactors can be built in a factory and transported to the desired location, reducing construction time and costs. Meta’s partnership with Last Energy is part of its broader efforts to achieve net-zero emissions across its operations and supply chain. The company believes that nuclear energy could play a crucial role in powering its AI systems while minimizing environmental impact. However, the use of nuclear energy remains controversial due to concerns over safety and waste disposal.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/meta-nuclear-energy-partners-power-ai-data-centers-2024-12