- Amazon, Meta and Google have committed to helping triple global nuclear power capacity by 2050 as part of the World Nuclear Association’s “Large Energy Users Pledge.” This marks the first time major non-energy corporations have publicly backed such an initiative.
- Tripling nuclear capacity would require an estimated $150 billion in annual investment, totaling trillions of dollars by 2050.
- Tech companies see nuclear power as a stable, low-carbon energy source to meet sustainability goals and power-intensive digital infrastructure like AI operations.
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A trio of the world’s largest technology companies—Amazon, Meta, and Google—have pledged their support for a global initiative to triple nuclear power capacity by 2050. This commitment is part of the World Nuclear Association’s “Large Energy Users Pledge.” It aims to expand nuclear energy to meet rising global electricity demands.
What is the Large Energy Users Pledge?
First introduced at the World Nuclear Symposium in 2023, the pledge has already gained support from 31 countries, 140 nuclear-related companies, and 14 financial institutions. However, this marks the first time that major corporations outside of the energy sector have publicly endorsed such a large-scale expansion of nuclear power.
What will it take to triple global nuclear capacity?
Currently, nuclear power accounts for approximately 9% of the world’s electricity generated by about 440 reactors. Analysts estimate that tripling this output by 2050 would require an investment of approximately $150 billion annually, ultimately totaling trillions of dollars in spending over the next two and a half decades.
Why are Big Tech companies supporting nuclear development?
Despite the substantial financial commitment, major technology firms, such as the trio that just signed the Large Energy Users Pledge, see nuclear energy’s low carbon footprint as a viable solution for meeting sustainability goals while providing the massive power supply needed to support growing digital infrastructure. Data centers, which power artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency operations, require large amounts of electricity — driving tech firms to seek stable and clean energy sources.
Meta has already begun exploring nuclear energy options, seeking energy developers capable of adding up to 4 gigawatts of new nuclear capacity by the early 2030s. Amazon and Google have also previously signed agreements to fund nuclear power projects, underscoring their commitment to cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.