Meta Powers Up: Securing 6+ GW of Nuclear Power for its Data Centers
Meta has made a significant commitment to nuclear power, announcing three landmark deals totaling over 6 gigawatts (GW) of capacity to power its growing data center infrastructure. This move underscores the increasing demand for reliable, carbon-free energy sources driven by the explosive growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and the energy-intensive operations of large-scale data centers. The agreements, encompassing both existing nuclear facilities and cutting-edge small modular reactors (SMRs), signal a pivotal moment in the intersection of Big Tech and the future of energy. This strategic investment aims to secure a stable 24/7 electricity supply, crucial for maintaining the uninterrupted operation of Meta’s services.
The Rise of Nuclear Power in the Data Center Era
As AI workloads continue to expand, tech companies like Meta are facing unprecedented energy demands. Unlike intermittent renewable sources, nuclear power offers a consistent, baseload power supply, making it an increasingly attractive option. The race to secure this reliable energy has benefited both established nuclear operators and innovative SMR startups. The demand is so high that it's impacting grid infrastructure, particularly in areas like the PJM interconnection, which serves 13 Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern states.
Why Nuclear? The Advantages for Data Centers
- Reliability: Nuclear power plants provide a consistent, 24/7 energy supply, unlike solar or wind.
- Carbon-Free: Nuclear energy is a low-carbon source, helping companies meet sustainability goals.
- High Capacity Factor: Nuclear plants operate at a high capacity factor, maximizing energy output.
- Energy Density: A single nuclear plant can generate a substantial amount of power, reducing land use compared to some renewables.
Meta’s Three-Pronged Nuclear Strategy
Meta’s approach to securing nuclear power is multifaceted, encompassing deals with a startup, a smaller energy company, and a larger, established nuclear operator. This diversification strategy mitigates risk and allows Meta to benefit from different strengths within the nuclear energy landscape. The deals stemmed from a request for proposals issued in December 2024, seeking 1 to 4 GW of generating capacity by the early 2030s.
Vistra: Leveraging Existing Nuclear Capacity (2.1 GW + 433 MW Upgrades)
The most immediate impact will come from Meta’s 20-year agreement with Vistra, a major energy provider. Meta will purchase a total of 2.1 GW from Vistra’s existing Perry and Davis-Besse nuclear power plants in Ohio. Furthermore, Vistra will invest in upgrades to these plants, as well as its Beaver Valley plant in Pennsylvania, adding an additional 433 MW of generating capacity scheduled to come online in the early 2030s. Electricity from existing nuclear reactors remains the most cost-effective baseload power option.
Oklo: Betting on Small Modular Reactors (1.2 GW)
Meta is also investing in the future of nuclear technology with a 1.2 GW agreement with Oklo, a pioneering SMR developer. Oklo aims to begin supplying power to the grid as early as 2030. The reactors will be located in Pike County, Ohio. Oklo’s Aurora Powerhouse reactors each produce 75 megawatts, requiring more than a dozen units to fulfill Meta’s order. While Oklo went public via SPAC in 2023, it has faced challenges in securing regulatory approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). This deal provides a crucial opportunity for Oklo to demonstrate the viability of its SMR technology.
TerraPower: Advanced Reactor Technology with Storage (690 MW + 1.2 GW Storage)
Co-founded by Bill Gates, TerraPower is another SMR startup securing a significant deal with Meta. TerraPower is targeting electricity delivery to Meta as early as 2032. Its innovative reactor design utilizes molten sodium for efficient energy transfer and incorporates a unique energy storage system. The reactor generates 345 megawatts, while the storage system can provide an additional 100 to 500 megawatts for over five hours. TerraPower is collaborating with GE Hitachi to build its first power plant in Wyoming and will initially provide Meta with 690 MW, with options for an additional 2.8 GW of nuclear capacity and 1.2 GW of storage.
The Economics of SMRs: Cost Challenges and Potential
While existing nuclear plants offer the lowest cost baseload power, the limited availability is driving investment in SMRs. However, the economics of SMRs are still evolving. Several startups have ambitious cost targets, but these are largely projections for future, mass-produced reactors. The initial deployments are likely to be more expensive.
- TerraPower’s Target: $50 to $60 per megawatt-hour (for later plants).
- Oklo’s Target: $80 to $130 per megawatt-hour (for later plants).
The success of Meta’s deals with Oklo and TerraPower will hinge on their ability to achieve these cost targets and demonstrate the scalability of SMR technology. The potential for mass manufacturing and standardized designs is key to driving down costs and making SMRs a competitive energy source.
Impact on the Energy Landscape and Future Trends
Meta’s substantial investment in nuclear power is a bellwether for the broader energy landscape. It signals a growing recognition of nuclear’s role in meeting the demands of a rapidly electrifying world, particularly as AI continues to drive energy consumption. This trend is likely to accelerate as other tech companies and industries seek to decarbonize their operations and secure reliable power supplies.
Key Trends to Watch:
- SMR Deployment: Increased deployment of SMRs, driven by demand from data centers and other energy-intensive industries.
- Advanced Reactor Technologies: Continued development of advanced reactor designs, such as TerraPower’s molten sodium reactor, offering improved safety and efficiency.
- Grid Modernization: Investments in grid infrastructure to accommodate the influx of new power sources, including nuclear.
- Regulatory Streamlining: Efforts to streamline the regulatory approval process for SMRs, accelerating deployment.
- Energy Storage Integration: Growing integration of energy storage solutions, such as TerraPower’s system, to enhance the flexibility and reliability of nuclear power.
GearTech Disrupt 2026: A Hub for Innovation
Looking ahead, events like the GearTech Disrupt 2026 (formerly Techcrunch Disrupt) will continue to be crucial platforms for showcasing the latest innovations in energy technology and fostering collaboration between industry leaders. The event, scheduled for October 13-15, 2026, in San Francisco, will bring together experts from Google Cloud, Netflix, Microsoft, and other leading companies to discuss the future of technology and energy. Join the waitlist now to be among the first to access Early Bird tickets and participate in this dynamic event.
San Francisco | October 13-15, 2026
WAITLIST NOWMeta’s bold move into nuclear power is not just a strategic decision for the company; it’s a signal to the energy industry and the world that nuclear energy is poised for a resurgence. As the demand for clean, reliable power continues to grow, nuclear power, particularly through the innovation of SMRs, will play an increasingly vital role in powering the future.