As more AI data centers come online, companies are scrambling to figure out how to power them. Here in Memphis, xAI has turned to gas turbines, but in Illinois, Meta is going a different direction, according to Brett Chase at The Chicago Sun-Times:
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, said it has an agreement to buy power from the Clinton nuclear power plant in central Illinois for 20 years to run data operations and support its development of artificial intelligence.
The agreement is unusual for Illinois but resembles transactions around the country as Meta and other big tech companies race to become leaders in AI technology powered by data centers that require enormous amounts of energy.
Meta, in a nameless press release:
Nuclear energy from the project will be used to support Meta’s operations in the region. In addition, we continue to advance our previously announced nuclear request for proposals (RFP) process, and are in final discussions with a shortlist of potential projects to meet our 1-4 gigawatt target.
At Meta, we’re building AI technologies that are transforming the global economy and the way people connect. Our data centers enable these innovations, housing the infrastructure that brings these technologies to life – and we prioritize operating our data centers efficiently, matching our electricity with 100% clean and renewable energy and exploring emergent energy technologies. As we look toward our future energy needs in advancing AI, we recognize the immense value of nuclear power in providing reliable, firm electricity, and the role nuclear projects can have in supporting local economies and strengthening America’s energy leadership.