Meta, led by Mark Zuckerberg, secures significant nuclear energy agreement to supply power for AI data centers.

Meta Unveils Nuclear Deals to Support AI Infrastructure

On Friday, Meta Inc., led by Mark Zuckerberg, announced a series of nuclear agreements designed to enhance its growing AI infrastructure across the United States.

Meta has formed significant partnerships with reactor developers like TerraPower and Oklo, alongside a notable agreement to acquire power from three operational nuclear plants managed by Vistra. While the specifics around finances remain undisclosed, this collaboration is considered one of the most extensive commitments seen between tech companies and nuclear operators.

The social media giant has ambitious plans, aiming to have its first reactors up and running between 2030 and 2032, which is quite an accelerated timeline in terms of power projects. Power purchases from Vistra are set to commence later this year, utilizing the current grid infrastructure.

Uruvi Parekh, who directs global energy at Meta, noted the tight schedule, yet he emphasized the need for such bold ambitions. In a recent discussion, he pointed out that hitting these targets will necessitate swift actions—like finding suitable sites approved by nuclear regulators, collaborating with utilities for grid connections, and establishing manufacturing capabilities. If they can meet these deadlines, it will address the immediate demand for additional power necessary for AI operations.

The surge in AI demand has led to rising power needs, resulting in escalated requirements for new natural gas plants, as well as various bottlenecks in grid connections. This uptick has prompted tech companies, including Meta, to explore nuclear energy options to develop their own power sources.

Per the agreement with TerraPower, Meta plans to invest in the development of two reactors that could deliver up to 690 megawatts—enough energy to supply a medium-sized city by 2032. There’s also potential for further expansion to six additional reactors by 2035.

In its partnership with Oklo, Meta will help kickstart the development of a nuclear campus in Ohio. Oklo mentioned that the advance in electricity from Meta will assist in acquiring nuclear fuel and progressing through the early stages of the project. This facility could eventually reach around 1,200 megawatts, a capacity comparable to larger conventional nuclear plants.

Jacob DeWitt, Oklo’s CEO and co-founder, remarked that this agreement represents a significant milestone in nuclear technology development. The project is slated for a 206-acre site in Pike County, Ohio, and Oklo had gone public in 2024 through a merger with a special acquisition vehicle led by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.

The outlook for the nuclear sector has seen a considerable improvement in recent times. Just a few years back, all three of Vistra’s plants were on the verge of closure. Even amidst rising electricity prices and increasing federal support for nuclear energy, Vistra’s CEO, Jim Burke, mentioned that the extension and rate hikes wouldn’t have been financially feasible without Meta’s backing.

Last year, Meta entered a 20-year deal to purchase electricity from a nuclear station in Illinois, negotiating with Constellation Energy, which planned to handle costs related to relicensing and upgrades. The arrangement with Vistra mirrors this setup: Meta is securing nuclear power while ensuring that energy from all involved reactors continues to contribute to the broader grid system.