In a move signaling a significant shift in corporate energy strategy, Meta Platforms has secured landmark agreements to procure up to 6.6 gigawatts of nuclear energy over the next two decades. Driven by the exponentially increasing power demands of artificial intelligence and it’s expanding data center infrastructure, the deals with TerraPower, Oklo, and Vistra represent the largest-ever corporate commitment to nuclear energy in the U.S. The agreements, announced January 25, 2026, aim to ensure a stable and sustainable energy supply as Meta continues to invest heavily in AI advancement and competition with global tech leaders.
Meta Secures Landmark Nuclear Energy Deals with TerraPower, Oklo, and Vistra
Meta Platforms has entered into agreements for what is being described as the largest-ever corporate procurement of nuclear energy in the United States, securing deals with three leading providers: TerraPower, Oklo, and Vistra. The agreements will provide up to 6.6 gigawatts (GW) of new and existing energy capacity over the next 20 years, primarily to support Meta’s ambitious expansion of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven data centers. This strategic investment is part of Meta’s broader approach to supporting a diverse portfolio of clean energy technologies, aiming to ensure a stable and sustainable energy source for its growing power needs.
Details of the Agreements and Projects
The deal with TerraPower includes funding for the development of up to eight Natrium advanced reactors, capable of delivering approximately 690 megawatts (MW) of power by 2032, with the potential to increase total capacity to roughly 2.8 GW by 2035. These reactors, backed by Bill Gates-supported TerraPower, will be equipped with advanced molten salt energy storage systems, capable of boosting system output to 500 MW. Meta is also collaborating with Oklo to establish a new nuclear energy facility in Painesville Township, Ohio, projected to deliver up to 1.2 GW of capacity by 2030. Additionally, Meta has finalized 20-year power purchase agreements with Vistra for over 2.1 GW of electricity from existing nuclear reactors in Ohio and Pennsylvania, and will support modernization efforts at those facilities, adding an additional 433 MW of capacity. Collectively, these agreements represent up to 6.6 GW of power expected to come online by 2035.
AI Development and Growing Energy Demands
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technology is creating unprecedented demand for electricity. While a single ChatGPT query consumes significantly more energy than traditional internet searches, global data center electricity demand is forecast to increase by 160% by 2030. This trend raises concerns about energy security and infrastructure development. Gartner predicts that by 2027, 40% of existing AI data centers could face operational challenges due to insufficient power. Tech giants like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta are actively investing in nuclear energy facilities to address these concerns and ensure the continued operation and growth of their data centers.
The Role of Nuclear Energy and Future Outlook
Meta’s strategic approach to energy procurement, including investment in nuclear projects, underscores the importance of this clean energy source in the modern technology landscape. Nuclear energy offers a stable, low-carbon energy source capable of meeting the continuous power needs of large data centers and AI computations. According to Meta’s Chief Global Affairs Officer Joel Kaplan, these agreements will help the U.S. “win” the AI race against China, while simultaneously creating jobs and fostering economic growth. This move not only strengthens Meta’s position in the technology market but also contributes to national energy independence and security, while promoting the development of advanced reactor technologies. The increasing demand for power from AI is driving a renewed interest in nuclear energy as a reliable and sustainable solution.
