In a bid to satisfy the escalating demand for AI computing power, Meta has entered into numerous nuclear energy procurement contracts, amassing a staggering total of 6 gigawatts (GW). This monumental move positions Meta as the globe's foremost purchaser of nuclear energy. For context, a gigawatt represents a unit of power, with 1 gigawatt equating to 1 billion watts. Meta's procurement strategy is geared towards ensuring a steady and reliable power supply for its sprawling hyper-scale data centers. Notably, the 1 GW 'Prometheus' data center situated in Ohio is slated to commence operations this year, while the colossal 5 GW 'Hyperion' project in Louisiana is earmarked for a 2028 launch.

Faced with the challenge of traditional grid expansion struggling to keep pace with the breakneck speed of data center proliferation, Meta has turned to nuclear energy as an optimal solution. When it comes to supplier selection, Meta employs a dual-pronged approach, combining 'traditional nuclear power plants with emerging startups.' The energy behemoth Westinghouse Electric Company assumes the primary responsibility for power supply. Additionally, Meta has strategically invested in two pioneering companies, Oklo and TerraPower, both of which are at the forefront of developing small modular reactor prototypes.

Meta's global energy chief emphasized the pivotal role of nuclear energy investment in driving Meta's AI advancements. He stated that nuclear energy offers a clean and dependable power source, which is indispensable for Meta's continued progress in the AI realm.