Meta signs major nuclear energy contracts for AI infrastructure amid demand surge

Core Viewpoint - Meta Platforms Inc. has become the largest corporate purchaser of nuclear energy in American history by signing multiple electricity contracts for its data centers, which will support its AI infrastructure and energy needs [1][3]. Group 1: Agreements and Energy Sources - Meta will purchase electricity from three existing Vistra Corp. plants and support small reactors planned by Oklo Inc. and TerraPower LLC over the next decade [2][10]. - The agreements may exceed 6 gigawatts, enough to supply around 5 million homes, highlighting the ongoing demand for energy from Big Tech despite competition in the AI sector [4][6]. - The deal with Vistra includes energy from the Davis-Besse and Perry reactors in Ohio, totaling over 2.1 gigawatts of operational capacity, along with additional energy from planned upgrades [10][12]. Group 2: Job Creation and Economic Impact - The projects are expected to create thousands of skilled jobs in Ohio and Pennsylvania, contributing to the local economy and extending the life of existing nuclear plants [4][3]. - Meta's investments align with CEO Mark Zuckerberg's commitment to invest hundreds of billions in AI and its supporting infrastructure by the end of the decade [9]. Group 3: Industry Context and Competition - The increasing demand for power from data centers is projected to rise by at least 30% by 2030, with nuclear energy becoming a focal point for major tech companies [7][6]. - Other tech giants like Amazon, Alphabet, and Microsoft have also signed agreements for nuclear energy, but Meta's recent initiatives have overshadowed these efforts [8]. Group 4: Future Projects and Capacity - Key projects include the "Prometheus" data center in Ohio, expected to launch this year, and the "Hyperion" initiative in Louisiana, which could expand to 5 gigawatts by 2028 [9]. - Meta's agreements with Oklo and TerraPower include provisions for future reactor projects that could total 2.1 gigawatts of power, with delivery timelines extending into the next decade [12].