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Meta Explores Nuclear Power For AI And Sustainability Goals

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 4, 2024

Meta is forging a new path to achieve its artificial intelligence and environmental objectives by embracing nuclear energy. The tech giant announced on Tuesday its plan to collaborate with nuclear power developers to add between 1 and 4 gigawatts of U.S. nuclear capacity, aiming for operational deployment in the early 2030s. Unlike renewable sources such as solar and wind, nuclear energy provides the reliability and scale necessary for large-scale data centres. However, its development demands greater capital investment, longer timelines, and stricter regulatory compliance

The Growing Role of Nuclear Power

Meta’s initiative reflects the increasing interest among tech companies in nuclear energy as a solution to rising electricity demands and sustainability commitments. According to Meta:

“Nuclear energy will play a pivotal role in the transition to a cleaner, more reliable, and diversified electric grid.”

This move comes as data centre energy consumption is expected to surge, tripling from 2023 to 2030 and requiring an additional 47 gigawatts of power generation, according to Goldman Sachs.

Meta is not alone. Competitors like Microsoft and Amazon have also embraced nuclear energy. In September, Microsoft partnered with Constellation Energy to restart a nuclear unit at Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island. Earlier this year, Amazon secured a nuclear-powered data centre from Talen Energy.

Challenges Ahead

Despite its potential, nuclear energy development in the U.S. faces hurdles:

Regulatory Bottlenecks: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is already stretched thin, potentially delaying approvals.
Uranium Supply Issues: Ensuring a steady fuel supply poses logistical challenges.
Local Opposition: Community resistance to nuclear projects can complicate site selection and development.

A Broader Trend in Big Tech

Meta’s nuclear ambitions align with a broader trend in the tech sector to secure reliable and sustainable energy sources. As the demand for AI-driven technologies grows, companies are increasingly investing in cutting-edge solutions to power their operations while adhering to environmental goals.

With its forward-thinking approach and commitment to sustainability, Meta’s nuclear venture could serve as a model for others navigating the challenges of an energy-intensive digital future.

Toyota’s Global Production Declines For 10th Consecutive Month, Yet Sales Show Growth

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 26, 2024

Despite a consistent drop in global production, Toyota Motor reported an uptick in worldwide sales for the second month in a row, driven by strong demand in the United States and China.

In November 2024, Toyota’s global output fell to 869,230 vehicles, a 6.2% decrease compared to the same month the previous year. This decline was steeper than the 0.8% drop observed in October.

The company’s production in the U.S. dropped by 11.8%, showing slow recovery. However, the production of models like the Grand Highlander and Lexus TX SUV resumed after a four-month hiatus in late October.

In China, Toyota’s production decreased by 1.6%, a smaller drop compared to the previous month’s 9% decline. The company benefited from higher local sales of models such as the Granvia and Sienna minivans, as well as the electric sedan bZ3, developed jointly with BYD.

As Chinese automakers like BYD gain ground, Toyota has decided to establish an independent plant in Shanghai and plans to start manufacturing electric vehicles for its Lexus luxury brand by 2027, according to a report from Nikkei.

Production in Japan, which accounts for about a third of Toyota’s global output, was down 9.3% in November. This was partly due to a two-day production halt at the company’s Fujimatsu and Yoshiwara plants.

Despite the production challenges, Toyota saw a 1.7% increase in global sales, reaching 920,569 vehicles in November, setting a new record for the month. However, for the period from January to November 2024, global production fell by 5.2% year-over-year, totalling around 8.75 million vehicles. During the same period, global sales declined by 1.2%.

These figures include Toyota’s Lexus brand but exclude sales from its group companies, Hino and Daihatsu.