NextFin News - On January 9, 2026, Meta Platforms announced a series of landmark 20-year power purchase agreements with Vistra Corporation to secure nuclear energy from three existing plants: Perry and Davis-Besse in Ohio, and Beaver Valley in Pennsylvania. These agreements are part of a broader energy strategy that also includes partnerships with Oklo and TerraPower, two companies developing next-generation small modular reactors (SMRs). Meta’s goal is to secure up to 6.6 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power by 2035 to support its rapidly expanding artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, including the Prometheus supercluster in New Albany, Ohio, a 1-GW data center campus expected to come online this year.
Meta’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, Joel Kaplan, emphasized that these deals will not only provide clean, reliable power but also help finance plant upgrades and extend the operational lifespan of the existing nuclear facilities, some licensed through 2036 and beyond. The company’s collaboration with Oklo aims to develop a 1.2-GW advanced nuclear campus in Pike County, Ohio, with initial reactors targeted for 2030. TerraPower, backed by Bill Gates, is developing Natrium reactors expected to deliver up to 690 megawatts (MW) by 2032, with rights to additional units through 2035.
Financial terms of the agreements were not disclosed, but the deals have already influenced market valuations, with Vistra’s shares rising approximately 8-14% and Oklo’s stock surging nearly 20% following the announcement. These agreements build on Meta’s prior 20-year deal with Constellation Energy for nuclear power from the Clinton plant in Illinois, underscoring the company’s commitment to nuclear energy as a cornerstone of its clean energy portfolio.
The move comes amid a surge in electricity demand driven by AI workloads, which require vast and continuous power supply. According to Goldman Sachs, global data center power demand could increase by 165% by 2030 compared to 2023, with AI as a primary driver. Meta’s strategy reflects a growing recognition among hyperscalers that intermittent renewables alone cannot meet the firm, round-the-clock power needs of large-scale AI infrastructure.
Meta’s agreements with Vistra include funding for uprates expected to add approximately 433 MW of additional nuclear output by the early 2030s, enhancing the capacity and longevity of these legacy plants. The partnership with Oklo represents a bet on advanced SMR technology, which promises modular, factory-built reactors with potentially lower costs and faster deployment timelines, though commercial-scale SMRs remain unproven in the U.S. regulatory environment.
This strategic pivot to nuclear energy by Meta signals a broader industry trend where Big Tech companies are underwriting nuclear projects to secure reliable, carbon-free power. The U.S. government’s recent commitment of at least $80 billion to new nuclear reactor construction, including support for SMRs, aligns with this corporate momentum. By investing in both existing and next-generation nuclear technologies, Meta aims to mitigate energy supply risks, reduce carbon footprint, and maintain competitive advantage in the AI arms race under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Looking forward, Meta’s nuclear power commitments could catalyze further investments in the U.S. nuclear sector, potentially accelerating the commercialization of SMRs and revitalizing aging nuclear infrastructure. The integration of nuclear power into AI data center operations may set a precedent for other technology giants facing similar energy challenges. However, regulatory approvals, construction timelines, and cost management remain critical uncertainties that will shape the ultimate impact of these agreements.
In summary, Meta’s nuclear power deals with Vistra, Oklo, and TerraPower represent a strategic, data-driven approach to securing the firm, clean energy necessary for the next generation of AI computing. This initiative not only supports Meta’s operational needs but also contributes to strengthening America’s nuclear supply chain and energy infrastructure, positioning the U.S. as a leader in both AI and advanced nuclear technology development.
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