Amazon, Google and Meta support tripling nuclear power by 2050

Core Viewpoint - Major tech companies, including Amazon, Google, and Meta, are advocating for a significant increase in nuclear energy production globally, aiming to at least triple its capacity by 2050 [1][2]. Group 1: Industry Support and Pledge - The pledge to expand nuclear energy was initially adopted in December 2023 by over 20 countries, including the U.S., during the U.N. Climate Change Conference [2]. - Financial institutions such as Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley have also supported this pledge, indicating a broadening consensus across industries and governments [2]. - Although the pledge is nonbinding, it underscores the increasing backing for nuclear power from leading sectors [2]. Group 2: Energy Demand and Nuclear Adoption - The tech sector, particularly companies like Amazon, Google, and Meta, is becoming a significant driver of energy demand in the U.S. due to the expansion of artificial intelligence centers [3]. - These companies are turning to nuclear energy as they recognize that renewable sources alone may not meet their reliability and energy needs [3]. Group 3: Investments in Nuclear Technology - Amazon and Google announced investments aimed at developing small nuclear reactors, a technology that is still in development and is expected to address cost and timeline issues associated with new reactor constructions in the U.S. [4]. - Meta has called for nuclear developers to submit proposals to potentially add up to four gigawatts of new nuclear capacity in the U.S. [4]. Group 4: Event Context - The pledge was signed during the CERAWeek by S&P Global energy conference in Houston, led by the World Nuclear Association [5].