Meta Platforms, which you know as the owner of Facebook, has announced major deals aimed at securing clean and reliable energy for its massive data centers. These centers are at the heart of artificial intelligence (AI), which powers everything from social networks to smart assistants. Meta has partnered with three companies—Vistra, TerraPower, and Oklo—to expand existing nuclear power plants and support the development of new advanced reactors. Altogether, this could provide up to 6.6 gigawatts (GW) of energy by 2035, enough to power millions of homes or large industrial centers.
These deals are not just about electricity—they help maintain America's leadership in AI. Meta previously partnered with Constellation Energy to extend the operation of a power plant in Illinois, and it is now becoming one of the largest corporate purchasers of nuclear energy in U.S. history. Joel Kaplan, Meta's chief global affairs officer, sees this as a way to strengthen the country's energy infrastructure and ensure a stable supply for everyone.
New advanced reactors with TerraPower
Meta has reached an agreement with TerraPower to finance the development of two new Natrium units, which could produce up to 690 megawatts (MW) of reliable energy as early as 2032. In addition, Meta has rights to energy from up to six additional units, bringing the total to 2.8 GW plus 1.2 GW of storage by 2035. These reactors are designed to be safer and more flexible, with the ability to be quickly integrated into existing grids.
Chris Levesque, president and CEO of TerraPower, said that the agreement will help rapidly deploy its Natrium technology, which provides carbon-free energy. TerraPower has already completed the design, secured suppliers, and passed key regulatory approvals. All this means the projects can move forward quickly and create thousands of construction and long-term jobs.
New nuclear energy in Ohio thanks to Oklo
With Oklo, Meta plans to build an advanced nuclear technology campus in Pike County, Ohio. It could deliver up to 1.2 GW of clean energy directly to the PJM grid as early as 2030. Oklo's Aurora Powerhouse reactors are based on proven fast-reactor technology with safety systems capable of using both new and recycled fuel.
Jacob DeWitte, co-founder and CEO of Oklo, emphasized that Meta's support will enable early procurement and development, turning their vision into reality. The project will create thousands of construction and operating jobs, as well as new tax revenue for local and state budgets. It is a major boost for Ohio, where Meta is building its Prometheus supercluster in New Albany.
Expansion of existing power plants with Vistra
Meta has signed 20-year agreements to purchase more than 2.1 GW of energy from three Vistra nuclear power plants: Perry and Davis-Besse in Ohio and Beaver Valley in Pennsylvania. These plants are licensed to operate until at least 2036, with one reactor at Beaver Valley licensed through 2047. Meta will help finance their expansion, adding 433 MW of capacity in the early 2030s.
Jim Burke, president and CEO of Vistra, described it as an exciting partnership that will extend the plants' operating lives, increase their output, and preserve jobs. The plants will supply energy to the PJM grid, benefiting all consumers through a greater supply of reliable energy. Meta is therefore supporting not only its data centers but also the overall stability of the grid.
These projects will create thousands of construction jobs and hundreds of long-term positions in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Meta is paying the full cost of the energy it consumes, so ordinary consumers will not bear the burden. This is part of Meta's long-term strategy, which over the past decade has supported the addition of nearly 28 GW of new energy to grids across 27 states.
Source: theinformation.com
