Meta Platforms is making a major bet on nuclear energy to power its artificial intelligence infrastructure, signing agreements with three companies to supply nuclear power for its data centers. The deal includes Oklo, Vistra Corp, and privately held TerraPower, all tasked with helping power Meta’s ambitious AI operations, including the massive Prometheus AI supercluster currently under construction in New Albany, Ohio.
The one gigawatt facility is expected to come online later this year, representing a significant milestone in big tech’s pursuit of sustainable energy sources for AI computing. The announcement sent shockwaves through the nuclear energy sector, with Oklo shares surging 13% and Vistra jumping 15% on Friday. The momentum spread across the industry, with NuScale Power Corporation gaining 6%, Constellation Energy up 4%, and BWX Technologies rising 5%.
This marks Meta’s second major nuclear power agreement, following a similar deal with Constellation Energy announced last summer. The pattern reflects a broader industry trend as tech giants scramble to secure reliable, clean energy sources capable of meeting the enormous power demands of AI infrastructure.
Joel Kaplan, Meta’s chief of global affairs, emphasized the strategic importance of the move: “State-of-the-art data centers and AI infrastructure are essential to securing America’s position as a global leader in AI. Nuclear energy will help power our AI future, strengthen our country’s energy infrastructure, and provide clean, reliable electricity for everyone.”
The nuclear energy sector has gained significant traction among big tech companies as the AI boom accelerates. Oklo, notably backed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman (though he stepped down as board chairman in August 2025), has positioned itself as a key player in next-generation nuclear power. Oklo CEO Jacob DeWitte highlighted the company’s long-term vision: “Two years ago, Oklo shared its vision to build a new generation of advanced nuclear powerhouses in Ohio. Today, that vision is becoming a reality through the support of a multi-year effort with Meta.”
The deals underscore the massive energy requirements of modern AI systems, particularly large language models and supercomputing clusters that require constant, reliable power sources to operate efficiently.
Key Quotes
State-of-the-art data centers and AI infrastructure are essential to securing America’s position as a global leader in AI. Nuclear energy will help power our AI future, strengthen our country’s energy infrastructure, and provide clean, reliable electricity for everyone.
Joel Kaplan, Meta’s chief of global affairs, made this statement emphasizing the strategic importance of nuclear energy for maintaining U.S. competitiveness in artificial intelligence while addressing energy infrastructure needs.
Two years ago, Oklo shared its vision to build a new generation of advanced nuclear powerhouses in Ohio. Today, that vision is becoming a reality through the support of a multi-year effort with Meta.
Oklo CEO Jacob DeWitte highlighted how the partnership with Meta validates the company’s long-term strategy and brings their advanced nuclear technology vision to fruition in Ohio, where Meta’s Prometheus AI supercluster is being built.
Our Take
Meta’s nuclear power strategy reveals the uncomfortable truth about AI’s environmental footprint: the technology requires massive, constant energy that current infrastructure cannot sustainably provide. While tech companies tout AI’s potential benefits, they’re quietly acknowledging that achieving those benefits demands revolutionary changes to energy systems. The involvement of Sam Altman-backed Oklo is particularly noteworthy, suggesting coordination among AI leaders about infrastructure needs. This isn’t just about one company’s data centers—it’s about whether the AI revolution can physically happen without overwhelming power grids or abandoning climate commitments. The stock market’s reaction suggests investors believe nuclear is the answer, but the real test comes when these facilities go online and prove they can reliably power AI at scale.
Why This Matters
This development represents a critical inflection point in how the AI industry addresses its growing energy crisis. As artificial intelligence models become more sophisticated and data centers expand exponentially, traditional power sources are proving inadequate to meet demand sustainably. Meta’s commitment to nuclear energy signals that major tech companies are willing to invest heavily in alternative energy infrastructure rather than compromise on AI development.
The stock market’s enthusiastic response demonstrates investor confidence in nuclear energy’s role in the AI ecosystem, potentially triggering a broader shift in energy policy and infrastructure investment. This could accelerate the development of advanced nuclear technologies and create new partnerships between tech giants and energy providers.
For the broader AI industry, this sets a precedent that could influence how competitors like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon approach their own energy needs. The move also has significant implications for climate goals, as nuclear power offers a carbon-free alternative to fossil fuels while providing the reliability that renewable sources like solar and wind cannot always guarantee. The success or failure of Meta’s nuclear-powered AI infrastructure could shape energy strategies across the technology sector for decades to come.
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Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/oklo-stock-price-meta-ai-nuclear-power-deal-vst-ceg-2026-1