Meta Bets Big on Nuclear, Securing Massive Power Deals for AI Expansion

In a move that could reshape both the tech and energy sectors, Meta Platforms Inc. has announced a series of agreements to secure an enormous supply of nuclear power. The deals, made public on January 9, 2026, could eventually channel up to 6.6 gigawatts of electricity—enough for millions of homes—directly to the company's data centers powering its artificial intelligence ambitions.

The strategy involves partnerships with established energy firms and next-generation reactor developers. Meta signed long-term power purchase agreements with Vistra Corp. for output from existing nuclear plants in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Texas. It is also backing new projects from TerraPower LLC, founded by Bill Gates, and Oklo Inc., supported by Sam Altman, which are developing advanced small modular reactors.

This pivot to nuclear is driven by a simple, pressing need: AI requires vast, constant, and clean electricity. Renewable sources like solar and wind are intermittent, while the company's planned Prometheus AI supercluster needs reliable, around-the-clock power. Industry projections suggest U.S. data centers could consume 8% of the nation's electricity by 2030, largely due to AI.

Meta's chief policy officer, Joel Kaplan, stated the agreements will help power the company's AI future while strengthening American energy infrastructure. The financial markets reacted swiftly; Vistra's market value jumped significantly following the news.

The commitment makes Meta one of the largest corporate buyers of nuclear power in U.S. history. It signals a strategic shift for Big Tech, moving beyond renewable energy certificates to directly fund and secure the dense, carbon-free baseload power that next-generation computing demands. The deals are expected to extend the operational life of existing plants, accelerate the development of new reactor designs, and create jobs in local communities where the facilities operate.

Source: Webpronews