- This partnership is part of Meta’s strategy to enhance its infrastructure to support energy-intensive artificial intelligence technologies.
- The geothermal project is set to have a capacity of 150 megawatts, which is sufficient to power approximately 38,000 homes.
OUR TAKE
Meta’s deal to purchase geothermal power is a significant step towards sustainability. By investing in renewable energy, Meta is actively working to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. This proactive approach is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and sustainability in the tech industry.
-Lia XU, BTW reporter
What happened
Meta Platforms has announced a significant agreement with Sage Geosystems to purchase geothermal power for its U.S. data centres. This move, revealed on Monday, aligns with Meta’s strategy to support its extensive investments in energy-intensive artificial intelligence technologies.
This geothermal project, set to deliver 150 megawatts of power upon completion of its first phase by 2027, represents a substantial commitment to renewable energy. This capacity, which will be located east of the Rocky Mountains, is anticipated to provide enough electricity to power approximately 38,000 homes, though the precise site has not yet been announced. The financial details of the agreement remain undisclosed.
The deal was disclosed during a U.S. Department of Energy event focused on geothermal development. The Biden administration is urging major tech companies to invest in clean energy solutions to meet growing electricity demands while working towards the goal of decarbonising the power sector by 2035.
Also read: Meta’s first large-scale use of geothermal power at the Rockies
Also read: Edged Energy opens first North American data centre
Why it’s important
This project represents a major advancement in the use of geothermal energy in the United States. This initiative not only supports Meta’s energy needs but also sets a precedent for other companies in the tech sector to explore renewable energy options, potentially leading to broader adoption of geothermal power across various industries.
As the use of cutting-edge technologies such as generative AI accelerates, the demand for electricity in data centres has surged. This deal is a crucial step for Meta in advancing its sustainability goals while supporting the growth of its AI capabilities.
Geothermal power, which harnesses the Earth’s internal heat to generate electricity and provide heating, is considered a key renewable energy source. Meta’s partnership with Sage Geosystems underscores the company’s commitment to integrating sustainable practices into its operations, helping to mitigate the environmental impact of its expansive data infrastructure.
