WSJ Tech News Briefing: Meta Turns to Nuclear Power to Fuel AI Ambitions
Release Date: June 3, 2025

1. Meta’s Strategic Shift to Nuclear Energy

Meta, the social networking giant, has made a groundbreaking move to power its artificial intelligence (AI) operations by partnering with Constellation Energy. In a recent announcement, Meta revealed a deal to purchase 20% of the power generated from an Illinois nuclear plant.

Key Highlights:

• Deal Details: The specifics of the financial arrangements between Meta and Constellation were not disclosed.
• Purpose of the Partnership: According to Constellation’s CEO, this collaboration aims to support the costs associated with relicensing upgrades and maintenance of the nuclear facility. He emphasized, “Running a plant for 20 more years requires billions of dollars in capital” (00:22).
• Strategic Implications: This move signifies Meta’s commitment to sustainable and reliable energy sources to fuel its expansive AI ambitions, ensuring long-term operational stability.

2. TSMC’s Resilience Amid Tariff Pressures

The Chief Executive of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) addressed concerns regarding the impact of tariffs on the chipmaker's operations during the company’s annual shareholder meeting.

Key Highlights:

• Tariff Impact: The CEO stated, “Tariffs are typically paid by importers and won't directly affect the company” (00:45). This suggests that TSMC has strategies in place to mitigate direct financial burdens from tariffs.
• AI Demand Outlook: Reinforcing confidence in the sector, he affirmed, “AI demand remains strong and that I expect revenue and earnings to reach new all-time highs” (00:48).
• Economic Warnings: However, he cautioned that “if tariffs lead to a global economic downturn and higher prices, that could dampen demand” (00:52), highlighting potential indirect risks linked to macroeconomic factors.

3. Victoria’s Secret Faces IT Security Challenges

An unexpected information technology security incident has disrupted Victoria’s Secret, leading to the postponement of its scheduled quarterly earnings release.

Key Highlights:

• Incident Impact: Although the company assured that its financial results remain unaffected, the restoration process has hindered employees’ access to essential information required for preparing the earnings report.
• Financial Implications: Victoria’s Secret disclosed that while there has been no material disruption to operations thus far, the accumulated related expenses might negatively impact future financial results.
• Future Communications: The company has not yet provided a new date for the earnings release, awaiting the resolution of the IT issues.

Conclusion

This episode of the WSJ Tech News Briefing highlights significant shifts and challenges within the tech industry:

• Meta’s innovative approach to powering AI with nuclear energy underscores the increasing intersection of technology and sustainable energy solutions.
• TSMC’s robust position amidst tariff uncertainties demonstrates resilience in the semiconductor sector, particularly with the burgeoning demand for AI technologies.
• Victoria’s Secret’s IT setback serves as a reminder of the ever-present cybersecurity threats facing corporations and their potential to disrupt key business operations.

For a more in-depth analysis of these developments and additional tech news, tune into the WSJ’s Tech News Briefing podcast.

Note: All timestamps correspond to the original podcast transcript provided.