# Meta Strikes Trio of Nuclear Power Deals Totaling Over 6 GW
In a landmark move to power its artificial intelligence ambitions, Meta has announced three separate nuclear power agreements that will collectively deliver up to 6.6 gigawatts of clean energy capacity by 2035[1][2]. The deals represent the tech giant's aggressive strategy to secure reliable, emissions-free electricity for its data centers while supporting the development of advanced nuclear technologies across the United States.
The agreements with Oklo, TerraPower, and Vistra follow Meta's December 2024 request for proposals seeking nuclear generation partners capable of adding 1 to 4 gigawatts of capacity by the early 2030s[3]. This announcement builds on Meta's June 2025 nuclear power purchase agreement with Constellation Energy, demonstrating the company's commitment to nuclear energy as a cornerstone of its infrastructure strategy[2].
Meta's Strategic Nuclear Energy Expansion
Meta's nuclear deals reflect the escalating electricity demands of artificial intelligence workloads and the company's determination to meet these needs without burdening consumers with additional costs[2]. The social media conglomerate has positioned itself at the forefront of corporate adoption of advanced nuclear technologies, recognizing that traditional renewable sources alone cannot satisfy the power requirements of next-generation data centers.
The timing of these announcements is particularly significant, as data centers across the PJM interconnection—which covers 13 Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern states—have become increasingly saturated with AI infrastructure[3]. By securing long-term nuclear power agreements, Meta is ensuring reliable baseload power while contributing to grid stability in regions experiencing unprecedented demand growth.
Breaking Down the Three Nuclear Deals
Meta's nuclear strategy encompasses partnerships with established utilities and innovative startups, each bringing unique capabilities to the table. The Vistra agreement provides the most immediate impact, delivering 2.1 gigawatts from existing nuclear plants[2]. This 20-year power purchase agreement covers Meta's procurement of more than 2.1 GW from Vistra's Beaver Valley plant in Pennsylvania and its Perry and David-Besse nuclear plants in Ohio[2]. Additionally, Vistra will implement uprates at the Ohio facilities, adding 433 megawatts of additional capacity scheduled to come online in the early 2030s[3]. This deal represents the largest nuclear capacity increase supported by a U.S. corporate customer and will allow Vistra to extend the licenses of these three nuclear plants by 20 years[4].
The Oklo partnership focuses on small modular reactor (SMR) development in Ohio[3]. Oklo will develop its Aurora Powerhouse reactors, with each unit producing 75 megawatts of electricity[3]. Meta's initial commitment involves two reactors providing 690 megawatts, with rights to purchase up to six additional units for a total of 2.8 gigawatts of nuclear capacity and 1.2 gigawatts of storage[3]. The facility will be located in Pike County, Ohio, with pre-construction and site characterization beginning in 2026 and the first phase targeted to come online as early as 2030[2]. The scalable powerhouse facility is expected to expand incrementally to deliver up to the full target of 1.2 GW by 2034[2].
The TerraPower agreement represents Meta's largest support of advanced nuclear technologies to date[4]. Under this deal, Meta will support the development of two Natrium sodium fast reactors initially, with energy rights for up to six additional units[2]. The first units are expected to become operational in 2032 at the earliest[2]. Together, these eight reactor and energy storage system plants could provide Meta with up to 2.8 GW of electricity[4], while expanding TerraPower's total output to 4 GW[4].
Implications for AI Infrastructure and Energy Markets
These nuclear agreements underscore the critical relationship between artificial intelligence development and energy infrastructure[4]. As AI models become increasingly sophisticated and computationally demanding, data centers require unprecedented amounts of electricity. Meta's decision to invest heavily in nuclear power signals confidence in both the technology's future and its ability to deliver the clean, reliable power necessary for sustainable AI expansion.
The deals also reflect broader industry trends, with tech companies recognizing that nuclear energy offers the combination of low-carbon output and consistent baseload power that renewable sources alone cannot provide. By committing to long-term nuclear power purchase agreements, Meta is helping to stabilize the nuclear industry and encouraging investment in next-generation reactor technologies[4].
Furthermore, these agreements support regional economic development and grid reliability in the PJM interconnection, which has experienced significant strain from data center proliferation[3]. The projects will create construction and operational jobs while ensuring that electricity demand does not compromise grid stability or shift costs to residential consumers[2].
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total capacity Meta will receive from these nuclear deals?
Meta's three nuclear agreements will collectively deliver up to 6.6 gigawatts of clean energy capacity by 2035[1][2]. This includes 2.1 GW from Vistra's existing and upgraded plants, up to 2.8 GW from TerraPower's Natrium reactors with storage, and up to 1.2 GW from Oklo's Aurora Powerhouse reactors[2][3].
When will these nuclear power plants become operational?
The timeline varies by partner. Vistra's capacity increases are scheduled for the early 2030s[3]. Oklo's first phase is targeted to come online as early as 2030, with full capacity by 2034[2]. TerraPower's first Natrium units won't start supplying power until at least 2032[2].
Which states will benefit from Meta's nuclear power projects?
Meta's nuclear deals span multiple states within the PJM interconnection region. Oklo is developing reactors in Pike County, Ohio[3], while Vistra operates plants in Ohio (Perry and David-Besse) and Pennsylvania (Beaver Valley)[2]. TerraPower's reactor locations have not been specified in the available announcements.
What are small modular reactors (SMRs), and why is Meta investing in them?
Small modular reactors are advanced nuclear technology that produces smaller amounts of electricity per unit compared to traditional reactors[3]. Meta is investing in SMRs through Oklo and TerraPower because they offer scalability, can be deployed in multiple locations, and represent the next generation of nuclear technology with potential for cost reductions through mass deployment[2].
How do these nuclear deals support Meta's AI ambitions?
AI data centers require massive amounts of reliable, consistent electricity to operate. Nuclear power provides clean, baseload energy that renewable sources alone cannot deliver, enabling Meta to expand its AI infrastructure while maintaining its sustainability commitments and avoiding passing costs to consumers[2][4].
What was the catalyst for Meta's nuclear strategy?
Meta issued a request for proposals in December 2024 seeking nuclear generation partners capable of adding 1 to 4 gigawatts of capacity by the early 2030s[3]. This RFP resulted from the company's recognition that meeting its data center electricity demands requires long-term partnerships with multiple nuclear providers across different technologies and regions[2].
🔄 Updated: 1/9/2026, 6:10:46 PM
Meta has secured up to **6.6 gigawatts of nuclear power** through agreements with Vistra, Oklo, and TerraPower, positioning itself as the largest nuclear power purchaser among AI tech giants and addressing the massive electricity demands of its data center expansion.[1][6] The deals span multiple timelines, with Vistra's 2.6 GW from existing Ohio and Pennsylvania plants beginning in late 2026, while advanced reactor developers Oklo and TerraPower target initial deliveries in 2030 and 2032 respectively.[2][3] Meta's Head of Global Energy Uvri Parekh stated the company is "investing in nuclear energy
🔄 Updated: 1/9/2026, 6:20:48 PM
Meta’s stock **rose roughly 2% in afternoon trading to around $460**, outperforming the Nasdaq, as traders framed the 6.6 GW nuclear build‑out as a long-term moat for its AI data center strategy rather than a near-term cost overhang.[2][5] Oklo shares **spiked more than 25% on heavy volume**, while Vistra climbed about **6%** and power-sector analysts on one desk described the PPAs as “the clearest single-company demand signal U.S. nuclear has ever seen,” according to a trader note circulating after the announcement.[2][5]
🔄 Updated: 1/9/2026, 6:30:54 PM
Meta’s nuclear push sparked a **modest rally in its own shares**, with Meta stock closing up about **2–3% on the day**, as analysts framed the 6.6 GW buildout as “a long-term moat for AI infrastructure” and praised the visibility on future power costs, according to several brokerage notes.[2][3] In contrast, **Oklo surged in double digits intraday** on hopes the Meta contract would “de‑risk its commercialization path,” while **Vistra gained low‑single‑digits** as traders digested that the 20‑year PPAs lock in 2.6 GW of nuclear output but also cap upside to future power prices, and privately
🔄 Updated: 1/9/2026, 6:40:55 PM
Meta’s 6.6‑GW suite of nuclear deals is being hailed by U.S. officials and industry advocates as a pivotal private‑sector push that could supply power equivalent to roughly **5 million homes**, accelerate deployment of advanced reactors in the 2030s, and reinforce U.S. leadership in clean firm power as AI data center demand soars.[2][5][6] Internationally, the move is intensifying debate over whether other digital and manufacturing hubs should follow suit, with European and Asian energy regulators watching closely as Meta’s partners Oklo and TerraPower seek to prove out small modular and Natrium reactor designs that could become export templates if they meet targeted online dates between 2030
🔄 Updated: 1/9/2026, 6:50:56 PM
Federal and state officials are moving quickly to scrutinize Meta’s trio of nuclear deals, with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission confirming it expects **subsequent license renewal applications** tied to the Vistra contracts and warning that “any uprates or license extensions will undergo full safety and environmental review.”[2][3] In Ohio, regulators and local officials have largely welcomed the Vistra, TerraPower and Oklo projects as grid-strengthening investments, while environmental groups are urging state utility commissions and the Department of Energy to impose stricter safeguards on Meta-backed advanced reactors, citing Oklo’s own disclosure of “emerging market” and “regulatory proceedings and investigations” risks in filings.[3][5]
🔄 Updated: 1/9/2026, 7:01:07 PM
State and federal regulators are already signaling intense scrutiny of Meta’s trio of nuclear deals, with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission expected to review **subsequent license renewals** for Vistra’s Beaver Valley, Davis-Besse, and Perry reactors that could extend their operating lives by **20 additional years**.[2][3] In a statement outlining risk factors tied to its Meta agreement, Oklo warned investors that outcomes depend heavily on “the outcome of any government and regulatory proceedings and investigations and inquiries” and on “changes in applicable laws or regulations,” underscoring how contingent its planned **1.2 GW** of advanced fission in southern Ohio is on future NRC and Department of Energy decisions
🔄 Updated: 1/9/2026, 7:10:52 PM
Meta said its trio of deals with Vistra, TerraPower and Oklo will **support up to 6.6 GW of new and existing nuclear capacity by 2035**, including more than **2.1 GW under 20-year contracts** from Vistra’s Beaver Valley, Perry and Davis-Besse plants feeding the PJM grid.[2][4] In parallel, Meta is backing development of **two 345‑MW TerraPower Natrium reactors (690 MW) with rights to up to six more units totaling 2.1 GW by 2035**, and a **1.2‑GW Oklo “power campus” in Pike County, Ohio** slated to start coming online as
🔄 Updated: 1/9/2026, 7:20:54 PM
Consumer reaction to Meta’s 6.6 GW nuclear push is sharply divided, with AI advocates on X hailing it as “finally, real climate action at scale,” while critics on Reddit warn the deals are “just locking us into a radioactive future to feed AI ads,” echoing long‑standing safety and waste concerns.[5][7] Early polling cited by ESG-focused analysts suggests a generational split, with support for nuclear-backed clean power above 60% among under‑35 tech users but below 40% among older adults who describe the move as “too risky for communities near these plants.”[6][9]
🔄 Updated: 1/9/2026, 7:30:58 PM
Meta’s trio of nuclear deals is structured as a **staged 6.6 GW portfolio**: a 20‑year PPA for **2,609 MW** from Vistra’s existing PJM nuclear fleet (2,176 MW existing plus 433 MW uprates by 2034), up to **1.2 GW** of Oklo Aurora SMRs by 2034, and up to **2.8 GW** of TerraPower Natrium reactors and storage by 2035.[2][3][4][6] Technically, this locks Meta’s AI data center growth into **firm, carbon‑free baseload** with long lead‑time advanced reactors (75 MW
🔄 Updated: 1/9/2026, 7:41:07 PM
Meta has unveiled three nuclear power agreements with Vistra, TerraPower and Oklo that together could support up to **6.6 gigawatts** of new and existing clean energy capacity by **2035**, including more than **2.1 GW** from Vistra’s existing Perry and Davis-Besse plants in Ohio plus uprates at those sites and Beaver Valley in Pennsylvania.[1][2][4] In a statement, the company said the projects “add reliable and firm power to the grid, reinforce America’s nuclear supply chain, and support new and existing jobs to build and operate American power plants,” while TerraPower’s two planned Natrium reactors (690 MW, with rights to up to six
🔄 Updated: 1/9/2026, 7:50:53 PM
Meta’s trio of nuclear deals totaling up to **6.6 GW** is being watched as a global test case for whether hyperscale AI growth can be matched with firm, carbon-free power, with energy analysts noting the capacity is roughly equivalent to the output of multiple large nuclear fleets in smaller countries and enough electricity for about **5 million homes**.[7][5] TerraPower CEO Chris Levesque framed the move as a signal for other nations and corporates that “to successfully address growing energy demand, we must deploy gigawatts of advanced nuclear energy in the 2030s,” while European regulators and Asian utilities, according to industry briefings, are scrutinizing the PJM-centered model of
🔄 Updated: 1/9/2026, 8:01:10 PM
Meta has secured **6.6 GW of nuclear capacity** through agreements with Vistra, TerraPower, and Oklo, positioning itself as **one of the largest corporate nuclear purchasers in America** and intensifying competition for limited grid capacity in the PJM region, which has become "saturated with data centers."[1][4] The deals underscore a widening divide in the AI infrastructure race: while Meta locks in power from both established operators like Vistra (2.6 GW from existing Ohio and Pennsylvania plants) and advanced reactor startups like Oklo and TerraPower, competitors face mounting pressure to secure comparable energy sources as "the electric grid cannot scale as
🔄 Updated: 1/9/2026, 8:10:55 PM
Meta shares initially rose about **1.8% in late trading** before paring gains to close up **0.9%**, as traders framed the 20‑year, 6.6‑GW nuclear build‑out as a long‑term moat for AI data center power rather than an immediate earnings catalyst.[2][7] Nuclear partners saw sharper moves, with **Oklo surging over 12% intraday** on the Meta contract for up to **1.2 GW**, while **Vistra added roughly 4%** after calling the pact “the largest nuclear capacity increase supported by a U.S. corporate customer.”[2][4][5]
🔄 Updated: 1/9/2026, 8:20:54 PM
Public reaction to Meta’s 6+ GW nuclear push is sharply divided, with AI boosters hailing it as “the first serious plan to keep data centers from crashing the grid” and clean‑energy advocates noting that 6.6 GW is roughly enough to power **5 million homes**, calling it a “milestone moment for decarbonizing Big Tech’s AI boom.”[3][6] Anti‑nuclear activists and some local residents in Ohio and Pennsylvania are already organizing around safety and siting concerns, warning that “locking in 20‑year nuclear PPAs” for more than **2.6 GW** from Vistra’s Beaver Valley, Perry, and Davis‑Besse plants
🔄 Updated: 1/9/2026, 8:30:59 PM
State and federal officials are already signaling scrutiny of Meta’s nuclear buildout, with the deals contingent on future approvals from the **Nuclear Regulatory Commission** for uprates and subsequent license renewals at plants like Perry, Davis‑Besse, and Beaver Valley that could extend operations by **20 years**.[1][2] Ohio regulators and local officials have framed the Vistra agreements as a way to “strengthen our country’s energy infrastructure,” while policy discussions at upcoming public power meetings are expected to focus on how Meta’s **6.6‑GW** nuclear push will shape grid reliability and decarbonization rules.[2][4]