Meta has just announced three groundbreaking deals to power its data centers with nuclear energy. These deals involve partnerships with a startup, a smaller energy company, and a larger company that already operates multiple nuclear reactors in the U.S.
Two companies leading the charge in developing small modular reactors (SMR), Oklo and TerraPower, have signed agreements with Meta to construct multiple reactors. Additionally, Vistra, a well-established energy company, will be selling capacity from its existing nuclear power plants to Meta.
The shift towards nuclear power has become increasingly popular among tech companies like Meta, especially as their AI initiatives continue to expand. Nuclear power offers a reliable source of electricity 24/7, making it an attractive option for data centers. While existing reactors are typically the most cost-effective form of baseload capacity, there is a limited number available, prompting Meta to explore partnerships with SMR startups.
Companies like Oklo and TerraPower are betting on the mass manufacturing of smaller reactors to drive down costs. Meta’s recent deals could provide these SMR startups with the opportunity to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach.
These agreements stem from a request for proposals issued by Meta in December 2024, seeking partners to add between 1 to 4 gigawatts of generating capacity by the early 2030s. The majority of this new power will flow through the PJM interconnection, a grid covering 13 states in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern regions that is already saturated with data centers.
One of the most impactful deals is Meta’s 20-year agreement with Vistra, where Meta will purchase a total of 2.1 gigawatts from Vistra’s existing nuclear power plants in Ohio. Vistra will also be expanding the capacity of these plants and its Beaver Valley facility in Pennsylvania, generating an additional 433 MW expected to come online in the early 2030s.
Meta is also set to acquire 1.2 gigawatts from the innovative SMR provider, Oklo. Oklo aims to start supplying power to the grid as early as 2030, with plans to build its reactors in Pike County, Ohio. On the other hand, TerraPower, co-founded by Bill Gates, is working towards delivering electricity to Meta by 2032 with its unique reactor design utilizing molten sodium for energy transfer.
While the financial terms of these deals remain undisclosed, Meta’s partnerships with Vistra, Oklo, and TerraPower represent significant advancements in the integration of nuclear power into its data center operations. With a focus on sustainability and reliability, Meta’s commitment to nuclear energy underscores its dedication to powering its operations with innovative and eco-friendly solutions.
