Meta lines up massive supply of nuclear power to energize AI data centers

Meta has secured extensive nuclear power agreements with three companies to supply energy for its AI data centers, aiming to support the equivalent electricity usage of around 5 million homes. The deals involve partnerships with TerraPower, Oklo, and Vistra, focusing on providing clean, reliable nuclear energy to power Meta’s Prometheus AI data center currently under construction in New Albany, Ohio, as well as other facilities in the region. This initiative includes purchasing more than 2.1 gigawatts of power from Vistra’s nuclear plants in Ohio and Pennsylvania, alongside planned expansions.

Meta’s head of global energy, Urvi Parekh, noted that these investments come amid concerns over the closure of existing nuclear plants, emphasizing the strategic need for early investment in new nuclear capacity to meet the surging electricity demands driven by AI innovation. While nuclear power comes at a higher cost—estimated between $141 to $220 per megawatt hour compared to $50 to $60 for natural gas or renewables—Meta views this as essential for ensuring firm, baseload power critical to sustaining its rapidly growing AI infrastructure.

This move reflects a broader trend of hyperscale technology companies pivoting towards nuclear energy to align with sustainability goals while maintaining robust and stable power supply. Meta’s push for nuclear-generated electricity underscores the importance of clean energy in supporting next-generation AI developments and the expanding digital economy.