Meta announces new AI data center, to be fueled by nuclear energy

Meta continues making moves in the AI space, announcing two big steps as it develops tech infrastructure across the country. The company said Wednesday, Dec. 4, it will be opening a $10 billion AI data center in northeastern Louisiana.

AI products like search assistants or image generators need massive facilities to house servers and computers that keep their AI services running. To power those AI advances, Meta is going nuclear and inviting developers to send in their proposals.

Tech companies are looking for space for new, larger AI data centers. Elon Musk’s xAI is also expanding its supercomputer project in Memphis, Tennessee, according to the city’s chamber of commerce.

In Louisiana, Gov. Jeff Landry, R, celebrated the announcement of Meta’s largest AI data center yet, calling it “game-changing.” And with AI set to potentially strain energy infrastructure, companies are turning to the renewable but pricey nuclear option.

Amazon ran into issues this year when it bought a Pennsylvania data center from energy company Talen Energy. It planned to power it with Talen’s nuclear plant next to the center.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rejected the proposal, worrying about the potential effect on energy prices and electric grid reliability.

Microsoft reached an agreement earlier this year to revive the Three Mile Island nuclear plant, with plant owner Constellation Energy, planning to bring it back online in 2028.

OpenAI has also signaled it’s looking to move forward with a massive data center expansion plan. In September, CEO Sam Altman pitched to the White House a plan that would build data centers that each require the same amount of energy as a major city.

Meta’s Louisiana plant announcement is raising concerns from environmental groups. They worry the plant is too reliant on fossil fuels and that plans to help power it through natural gas could lead to higher energy prices for local residents.

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