Nuclear Power

Meta is partnering with nuclear power providers Vistra, TerraPower, and Oklo to secure significant energy for its AI ambitions, including the “Prometheus” supercluster. These collaborations aim to supply 6.6 gigawatts by 2035, supporting data centers and AI development. This move highlights the growing trend of tech giants relying on nuclear energy to power their expanding AI infrastructure and maintain global leadership in the field.

The UK, once a world leader in commercial nuclear power, now generates only 14 % of its electricity from nuclear and aims for 25 % by 2050. To revive the sector, policymakers pursue both gigawatt‑scale plants (e.g., Sizewell C, costing ~£38 bn) and small modular reactors, with Rolls‑Royce as the domestic SMR partner and the first UK SMR slated for Wales. New financing models—Contracts‑for‑Differences and Regulated Asset Base—de‑risk revenue but not construction overruns. Talent gaps, fragmented regulation, and a narrow uranium supply chain, especially reliance on Russia, remain major hurdles.

Google and NextEra Energy are partnering to revitalize Iowa’s Duane Arnold nuclear power plant, aiming to provide 24/7 carbon-free energy for Google’s expanding AI infrastructure. The plant, closed in 2020, could restart in 2029 pending approvals. This reflects a growing trend of using nuclear energy to power data centers, driven by increasing electricity consumption due to AI. The partnership highlights the need for investments in reliable, clean power to support the AI-driven economy while addressing environmental concerns. The Iowa project could serve as a model for future collaborations.

Tech giants are heavily investing in nuclear fusion power to meet the escalating energy demands of AI growth. Google, among others, is making significant investments and securing power purchase agreements with fusion startups like Commonwealth Fusion Systems. This trend extends to investments in fission power and small modular reactors. China is also increasing its nuclear energy investments. The rapid advancements in AI are driving this surge of interest and investment in nuclear energy solutions.