Janice R. Andrews
Meta’s ambitious plan to build a nuclear-powered artificial intelligence data center has hit an unexpected roadblock – the discovery of a rare bee species on the designated construction site. According to a report from the Financial Times, the tech giant’s plan has been complicated by the need to overcome regulatory hurdles aimed at protecting this species.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg had envisioned a groundbreaking data center, powered by emissions-free nuclear energy. The company had partnered with an established nuclear power plant operator to secure this innovative energy source. However, during a recent all-hands meeting, Zuckerberg reportedly shared that the regulatory challenges posed by the rare bee discovery have made this project unfeasible.
The setback comes as Meta’s competitors, including Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, are also exploring nuclear energy solutions to power their own AI data centers. Microsoft recently announced plans to revive the Three Mile Island nuclear plant, while Google and startup Kairos Power are working on building small reactors by 2030.
It remains unclear whether Meta is seeking an alternative site for its nuclear-powered AI data center. However, sources indicate that the company is still pursuing nuclear and other emissions-free energy solutions to power its future data centers.
This unexpected hurdle highlights the growing importance of sustainable energy in the tech industry, as well as the unpredictable challenges companies can face when balancing innovation and environmental conservation.
