Meta Secures 6.6 Gigawatts of Nuclear Power to Boost AI Growth

Meta Platforms Inc. has embarked on a groundbreaking energy procurement strategy, securing agreements that could yield up to 6.6 gigawatts of nuclear power. Announced on January 9, 2026, the partnerships with Vistra Corp., TerraPower LLC, Oklo Inc., and Constellation Energy Corp. position Meta as a key player in revitalizing the U.S. nuclear sector amidst a surge in electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence (AI).

The agreements involve long-term power purchases from three existing nuclear plants operated by Vistra in the United States, along with support for the development of advanced small modular reactors through TerraPower and Oklo. In a blog post, Meta touted these pacts as “landmark agreements,” highlighting their potential to expand plant operations, advance nuclear technology, and generate jobs in local communities.

The growing energy demands of AI are evident, with power requirements for data centers projected to rival those of small nations. Meta’s new Prometheus AI supercluster, designed to enhance model capabilities, requires consistent, carbon-free baseload power that cannot be fully met by intermittent renewable sources. According to industry analysts, U.S. data centers could account for 8% of the nation’s electricity consumption by 2030.

Details of the Agreements

Meta has established 20-year power purchase agreements with Vistra for electricity output from plants located in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Texas, extending their operational lifespans. Constellation, identified as the largest nuclear operator in the U.S., will assist in expanding these capacities. Joel Kaplan, Meta’s chief policy officer, emphasized the company’s role in becoming “one of the most significant corporate purchasers of nuclear energy in American history” on social media platform X.

The partnerships with TerraPower, co-founded by Bill Gates, and Oklo, backed by Sam Altman, focus on next-generation reactor designs. These small modular reactors are designed for faster deployment and reduced costs. Meta’s involvement is seen as a way to mitigate risks associated with these emerging technologies, which have faced challenges in regulatory and financial arenas.

Economic Implications and Community Impact

Meta’s agreements signal a strategic shift away from reliance on natural gas, with nuclear energy providing a stable power source that is unaffected by weather variability. Following the announcement, Vistra’s market capitalization increased by $10 billion, reflecting investor optimism regarding the nuclear industry’s revival.

Kaplan’s post on X also highlighted the alignment of these agreements with national energy priorities under the current administration, crediting Secretary Wright for their support. The projects are expected to create thousands of high-wage jobs in construction and operations, with local communities benefiting from increased tax revenues and infrastructure upgrades.

While opposition based on safety concerns has historically been a barrier to nuclear expansion, the advanced designs of modern reactors have led to a shift in public perception. As noted in the past, economic benefits and job growth are key factors in garnering community support for such projects.

As Meta’s nuclear initiatives take shape, the company aims to offset 20 million tons of CO2 emissions annually by 2035, contributing to the U.S. goal of increasing nuclear energy’s share in the clean power mix. The collaboration with Vistra, TerraPower, and Oklo highlights a concerted effort to redefine corporate energy strategies globally, particularly in the tech sector.

Meta’s ambitious plans, which dwarf similar efforts by competitors, could set a precedent for how large corporations approach energy procurement in the age of AI.