In a bold move signaling the rapid evolution of energy and technology partnerships, Oklo and Meta Platforms announced on January 9, 2026, that they have struck a landmark deal to develop a 1.2 gigawatt (GW) nuclear power campus in Southern Ohio. This ambitious project, designed to supply clean and reliable energy to Meta’s expanding network of data centers, has already sent ripples through both the energy and technology sectors, with stocks of the involved companies experiencing significant spikes following the news, according to Dow Jones.
The agreement sets the stage for Oklo and Meta to embark on a multi-phase journey, with pre-construction and site characterization scheduled to commence later this year. The first phase of the nuclear power campus could be operational as early as 2030, while the full 1.2 GW capacity is expected to be reached by 2034, as reported by MT Newswires. This timeline underscores not only the technological ambition of the project but also the urgency with which both companies are moving to address the surging energy needs of the digital era.
At the heart of this development lies the PJM interconnection, one of the nation’s largest and most robust grid systems. Southern Ohio’s strategic location within this network makes it an ideal hub for America’s clean energy growth, especially as demand for artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure continues to soar. The project will be situated at the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant site, a location steeped in historical significance for the region and the nation.
Oklo’s business model stands out for its innovative approach: it enables large energy users like Meta to fund their own generation and add new clean power to the grid, all supported by private capital investment. This model, as highlighted in Oklo’s official press release, is increasingly attractive to major corporations seeking to secure reliable, sustainable energy sources while also contributing to broader environmental goals.
"Our agreement with Oklo enables the development of 1.2 gigawatts of nuclear energy in Southern Ohio," a Meta spokesperson explained, emphasizing the company’s commitment to powering its data centers with clean energy. The partnership is expected to lay the groundwork for constructing multiple Oklo Aurora powerhouses, which are advanced fast fission power plants designed to deliver dependable, affordable energy at a global scale.
But the impact of the project extends far beyond just energy supply. According to Oklo, the development is projected to create thousands of construction and long-term operations jobs, significantly expanding Ohio’s clean energy workforce. The influx of investment will also generate new local and state tax revenues, providing a much-needed boost to the region’s economy. These benefits are part of a larger vision to transform the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant—a site once central to national security—into a vibrant hub for advanced manufacturing and clean energy.
Kevin Shoemaker, General Counsel at the Southern Ohio Diversification Initiative (SODI), underscored the transformative potential of the project: "The project brings into focus the potential for the transformative impact the redevelopment of this site can have on our energy infrastructure and the reinvigoration of our community. We appreciate our strong partnership with Oklo and look forward to continuing to work with them to bring more jobs and economic opportunity to the region." This sentiment reflects the optimism shared by many local stakeholders who see the project as a catalyst for economic renewal and technological leadership.
From a technical perspective, Oklo will use the funds from Meta to secure nuclear fuel and advance Phase 1 of the project, supporting the development of clean, reliable power. The scalable powerhouse facility is expected to expand incrementally over the next decade, ultimately delivering the full 1.2 GW of capacity. This approach allows for flexibility and adaptation as the project progresses, ensuring that both technological and regulatory hurdles can be addressed effectively.
Oklo’s track record in the nuclear sector is notable. The company was the first to receive a site use permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a demonstration reactor, a milestone that underscores its leadership in advanced nuclear technologies. Oklo is also working to establish a domestic supply chain for critical radioisotopes and advancing nuclear fuel recycling—a process that converts used nuclear fuel into clean energy. These efforts are part of a broader push to make nuclear energy safer, more efficient, and more sustainable for the long haul.
For Meta, the deal represents a major step forward in its quest to power its sprawling data center operations with clean energy. As artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital services become ever more integral to daily life, the energy demands of tech giants like Meta continue to climb. By investing directly in new nuclear capacity, Meta is not only securing its own energy future but also contributing to the decarbonization of the U.S. power grid.
The announcement has also caught the attention of investors. Oklo shares surged significantly in pre-market trading following the news, reflecting widespread confidence in the project’s prospects and the growing market demand for advanced nuclear energy. This surge, as MT Newswires reported, signals a broader trend of increasing investor interest in clean energy infrastructure, particularly projects that combine technological innovation with large-scale impact.
Of course, the project is not without its risks. Oklo’s press release included a detailed list of potential challenges, ranging from regulatory uncertainties and the need for additional financing to supply chain constraints and the complexities of developing an emerging market. The company was candid about these risks, noting, "There can be no assurance that future developments affecting Oklo will be those that Oklo has anticipated." Such transparency is a reminder that, while the promise of advanced nuclear power is immense, the path to realization is fraught with obstacles that must be navigated carefully.
Nevertheless, the partnership between Oklo and Meta marks a significant turning point in the intersection of energy and technology. It reflects a growing recognition that the future of digital infrastructure—and indeed, the broader economy—depends on bold investments in clean, reliable power sources. As the world grapples with the twin challenges of climate change and rising energy demand, projects like the Southern Ohio nuclear campus offer a glimpse of what’s possible when industry leaders join forces to reimagine what’s possible.
With construction set to begin soon and the first phase targeted for completion by 2030, all eyes will be on Southern Ohio as it transforms from a symbol of the nation’s industrial past into a beacon of its clean energy future.
