Meta Drops Plan To Build Nuclear Data Center For Ai Due To Rare Bees
Meta Drops Plan To Build Nuclear Data Center For Ai Due To Rare Bees

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Meta* отказалась от планов построить ядерный дата-центр для ИИ из-за редкого вида пчёл

Meta Drops Plan to Build Nuclear Data Center for AI Due to Rare Bees

Environmental Concerns Lead to Halt in Server Expansion Project

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has scrapped plans to build a nuclear-powered data center in Council Bluffs, Iowa, due to concerns over the potential impact on a rare species of bee.

The data center was intended to power Meta's artificial intelligence (AI) systems, which require massive amounts of computing power.

Meta had planned to use a small modular reactor (SMR) to generate electricity for the data center. SMRs are a new type of nuclear reactor that is smaller and cheaper than traditional nuclear reactors.

Environmental Concerns Raised

However, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) raised concerns about the potential impact of the SMR on the rusty patched bumble bee, a rare species that is found in Iowa.

The DNR determined that the SMR could create a “thermal plume” in the river that could harm the bees' habitat.

Meta initially said it would proceed with the project despite the DNR's concerns.

However, in a statement released on Friday, Meta said it had decided to abandon the project.

“We have decided to withdraw our application for a permit to build a data center in Council Bluffs, Iowa,” Meta said in the statement.

“We are committed to protecting the environment and the communities where we operate, and we believe that this is the right decision for our company and for the community of Council Bluffs.”

Bee Conservation Efforts

The rusty patched bumble bee is a federally endangered species. It is one of the most endangered bees in North America.

The DNR has been working to protect the rusty patched bumble bee by restoring its habitat and reducing the use of pesticides.

The DNR's decision to block Meta's data center project is a victory for bee conservationists.

“This is a great day for the rusty patched bumble bee,” said Matt O'Connor, a conservation biologist with the DNR.

“This decision shows that we are committed to protecting our endangered species, even when it means standing up to large corporations like Meta.”

Meta's decision to abandon the data center project is a sign that the company is taking environmental concerns seriously.

It is also a sign that bee conservationists are making progress in their efforts to protect endangered bees.

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