Meta inked deals with three nuclear companies to power its data centers with over 6 gigawatts of electricity. The agreements, announced today, include partnerships with both established and emerging nuclear energy providers. Oklo and TerraPower, developers of small modular reactors (SMRs), will each build multiple reactors for Meta. Vistra will supply power from its existing nuclear plants.

The deals followed a request for proposals issued by Meta. The company aims to secure a stable, 24/7 power source for its growing AI infrastructure. Nuclear energy has emerged as a preferred option for tech giants seeking reliable baseload power.

This move signals a significant boost for SMR startups like Oklo and TerraPower. Meta's commitment could validate the potential for cost reduction through mass manufacturing of smaller reactors. Existing nuclear facilities also benefit from the increased demand.

Tech companies' growing AI ambitions are driving the demand for nuclear power. While existing reactors offer the cheapest baseload capacity, their limited availability pushes companies toward SMRs. The success of SMRs hinges on proving their cost-effectiveness through scaled production.

The industry will closely watch the progress of these projects. Meta's investment could pave the way for wider adoption of SMR technology. The deals represent a crucial step in testing the viability of SMRs as a future energy source.