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Zuckerberg's bold plans for a nuclear-powered AI hub stalled by rare bees.
In the technological race between industry giants, each step can cost millions and have a direct impact on the environment.
In a move that promised to transform energy use in data centers, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, found himself facing a curious and, at the same time, challenging obstacle: a rare species of bee.
Without warning, these tiny creatures have become an unforeseen problem for Zuckerberg's ambitious plans, stalling progress on a proposal that could make Meta the first major technology company to run nuclear-powered artificial intelligence.
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Why a nuclear powered data center?
According to sources close to the executive, the project aimed to close a contract with an American nuclear plant that would provide carbon-free electricity to power Meta's servers.
The new data center would have the capacity to support high-powered AI models, essential for expanding the company's digital services.
Zuckerberg and his team planned a robust structure that would put Meta at the forefront of technological sustainability, setting the company apart in a sector that is increasingly seeking less polluting energy alternatives.
Environmental and regulatory obstacles
The presence of a rare species of bee in the construction area turned out to be a major obstacle.
According to sources who attended a recent meeting at Meta, Zuckerberg mentioned that the discovery complicated negotiations and raised a number of environmental and regulatory concerns.
Local and federal authorities reportedly mobilized to assess environmental risks, causing significant delays.
Meta continues to explore clean energy sources
Although the nuclear data center setback represents a strategic loss, Meta continues to search for sustainable alternatives.
According to sources, the company is open to new agreements that promote the use of clean energy, including nuclear. “We are still evaluating options that guarantee carbon-free energy,” said a source close to Meta.
The decision is in line with the company's commitment to achieving net zero emissions targets, achieved in its operations since 2020.
The nuclear race between technology giants
It is not just Meta that considers nuclear energy a viable solution to meet the growing energy demand of its data centers.
Google, Amazon and Microsoft have already partnered with nuclear power plants to ensure sufficient power for their artificial intelligence systems, which consume significantly more energy than conventional research.
An AI query is estimated to consume up to 10 times more energy than a standard Google search, according to experts.
In September 2024, Microsoft surprised the market by announcing that it planned to reactivate the Three Mile Island plant in Pennsylvania, which had been deactivated for a few years.
Amazon, in turn, invested US$650 million to install a data center near the Susquehanna plant, also in Pennsylvania.
Google has already invested in Kairos Power, an American nuclear reactor startup, ordering new modular reactor models.
Nuclear energy: a sustainable or risky solution?
Nuclear power has been seen as a promising source for maintaining AI operations, offering continuous and stable energy production, which is essential for the uninterrupted operation of servers.
However, despite being less polluting in terms of carbon emissions, the industry faces complex issues, such as the accumulation of radioactive waste, which requires long-term storage systems.
For experts, inadequate storage can pose a serious threat to both the environment and human health.
Furthermore, the high costs of building and operating nuclear power plants become another challenge.
In the West, dependence on Russia as a supplier of nuclear fuel hampers the plans of countries like the United States.
Meanwhile, China continues to invest heavily in nuclear energy and accelerates the construction of new reactors, which generates discomfort among Western companies seeking competitiveness in a global scenario.
Pressure on Zuckerberg and the future of Meta
Internally, Zuckerberg feels the pressure to show results to investors who are betting on AI as Meta's next big step.
In recent months, the company has increased its capital spending to develop servers and data infrastructure, which has raised expectations about the viability of energy alternatives.
Had the nuclear plant deal gone through, Meta would not only have gained notoriety for innovation, but would also have opened the world's largest nuclear-powered AI support plant.
A person close to Meta reported that Zuckerberg expressed frustration over the dearth of nuclear options in the US, where few reactors have been built in the past two decades, while China is rapidly advancing in the sector.
Meta already operates with net zero emissions
Since 2020, Meta has achieved “net zero emissions” status in its operations, which reflects the commitments made to sustainability.
However, to reach new levels of efficiency and meet AI demands, the company continues to search for alternative sources, including nuclear energy, which offers a promising solution, although surrounded by challenges.
With increasing energy demands and the search for clean sources, how far should big techs go to achieve their goals? Is nuclear energy really a breakthrough or a risky bet?
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