Meta Inks Massive Nuclear Power Deals to Fuel Its AI Future

Meta Platforms has secured a 6.6-gigawatt supply of nuclear energy through landmark agreements with Vistra Corp., TerraPower, and Oklo Inc. This strategic move aims to energize the company's next generation of artificial intelligence infrastructure, including the upcoming Prometheus data center cluster in Ohio. By prioritizing firm, carbon-free power, Meta intends to ensure its AI operations remain resilient and environmentally sustainable through 2035.

Building the Atomic Infrastructure

The deal represents a barbell strategy that combines energy from Vistra's existing plants with investments in futuristic Small Modular Reactors. Vistra will provide roughly 2.1 gigawatts from its facilities in Ohio and Pennsylvania, while TerraPower and Oklo focus on developing advanced units targeted for delivery starting in 2030. These agreements could eventually power the equivalent of five million homes, reinforcing the domestic nuclear supply chain and supporting thousands of American jobs. The Prometheus project is expected to come online as early as this year. Unlike recent competitors who faced regulatory rejections for behind the meter power, Meta is utilizing grid connected electricity. This ensures that the company pays its share for grid maintenance while securing the vast amounts of energy required for its high performance computing needs.

Public Reaction and Future Shifts

Public response to these atomic ambitions remains a mix of environmental optimism and economic anxiety. While climate advocates appreciate the shift toward carbon-free baseload power, local residents and experts express concern over potential spikes in electricity rates. Critics argue that massive data center demand could strain regional grids, forcing everyday consumers to shoulder the costs of infrastructure upgrades as the mid-Atlantic grid adapts to the surge.

If the entire technology sector follows Meta's lead, the global energy landscape could undergo a total transformation. A universal shift to nuclear power for AI would likely accelerate the commercialization of modular reactor technology and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. However, it would also necessitate an overhaul of regulatory frameworks and a substantial expansion of the uranium supply chain to prevent global fuel shortages.

Meta also holds rights for energy from six additional Natrium units targeted for delivery by 2035. This long term commitment provides certainty for utility providers to seek license renewals and expand existing reactor capacities. By funding these new developments, Meta is actively shaping the future of the U.S. nuclear energy market to meet the exponential demands of artificial intelligence.