Meta has signed a 20-year deal with Constellation Energy to support the restart of an Illinois nuclear power plant, signaling its preparation for the rising energy demands driven by artificial intelligence. This move mirrors efforts by other tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. However, while nuclear energy is touted as a clean solution, the transition will take years, and immediate needs are being met by natural gas plants—raising environmental concerns due to increased fossil fuel use. Demand for AI-powered services has sharply increased electricity consumption in the US, with data centers expected to use up to 12% of the nation’s electricity by 2028. Renewables and nuclear currently make up about 39% of US data center energy, but fossil fuels still dominate. The article underlines the urgent challenges and strategic shifts facing the tech industry as it powers the next generation of AI.
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