Oklo and Meta Advance Plans for 1.2 GW Nuclear Energy Campus in Southern Ohio
Oklo Inc. (NYSE: OKLO), a developer of advanced nuclear energy technologies, has announced a landmark agreement with Meta Platforms, Inc. (Nasdaq: META) that significantly advances plans to develop a large-scale nuclear power campus in Pike County, Ohio. The proposed project, designed to ultimately deliver up to 1.2 gigawatts (GW) of clean, reliable electricity, is intended to support Meta’s growing data center operations in the region while strengthening the broader electric grid in southern Ohio.
The agreement establishes a framework under which Meta can prepay for future power and provide upfront funding to enhance project certainty for Oklo’s Aurora powerhouse deployment. This financial support enables Oklo to accelerate early-stage development activities, including fuel procurement and Phase 1 project planning, laying the groundwork for what could become one of the most significant advanced nuclear developments in the United States.
At the core of the project is Oklo’s plan to deploy multiple Aurora powerhouses—advanced fast-reactor systems designed to provide reliable baseload power with minimal carbon emissions. Phase 1 of the project is expected to initiate the development of clean energy infrastructure that can scale incrementally over time, eventually reaching the full 1.2 GW capacity. This modular, scalable approach aligns with rising electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure.
Oklo intends to develop the nuclear power campus on approximately 206 acres of land in Pike County that it now owns. The site was formerly controlled by the U.S. Department of Energy and is located near the historic Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant. The acquisition of the land was facilitated in part by the Southern Ohio Diversification Initiative (SODI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to repurposing former federal sites for economic development and long-term regional growth.
“Two years ago, Oklo shared its vision to build a new generation of advanced reactors in Ohio. Today, that vision is becoming a reality,” said Jacob DeWitte, co-founder and chief executive officer of Oklo. “We have finalized the purchase of over 200 acres in Pike County and are excited to announce this agreement in support of a multi-year effort with Meta to deliver clean energy and create long-term, high-quality jobs in Ohio. Meta’s funding commitment in support of early procurement and development activity is a major step in moving advanced nuclear forward.”
The agreement is expected to catalyze significant economic activity in southern Ohio. Construction of multiple Aurora powerhouses is projected to generate thousands of jobs during the buildout phase, along with long-term employment opportunities in plant operations, maintenance, and support services. In addition to job creation, the project is expected to contribute new local and state tax revenues through sustained investment in energy infrastructure and associated supply chains.
Pre-construction activities, including site characterization, environmental assessments, and early engineering work, are planned to begin as early as 2026. Oklo has indicated that the first phase of the nuclear campus could come online by 2030, subject to regulatory approvals and project milestones. Subsequent expansions would be implemented in stages, with the full 1.2 GW capacity targeted for completion by approximately 2034.
Ohio’s strategic location within the PJM Interconnection—one of the largest and most complex electric grid systems in North America—adds to the project’s significance. The state’s robust transmission infrastructure and proximity to major industrial and population centers position it as a key hub for clean energy development, particularly as electricity demand surges due to AI workloads, high-performance computing, and data center expansion.
Oklo’s business model is designed to allow large energy users to directly fund new generation capacity, rather than relying solely on traditional utility procurement. By securing private capital commitments from customers like Meta, Oklo aims to add new clean power to the grid while reducing financial risk and accelerating deployment timelines. This approach ensures that growing power demand from data centers is met with new generation resources, helping to preserve grid reliability for all customers.
Under the agreement, Meta’s financial participation supports early development and procurement activities, including nuclear fuel acquisition, that are critical to keeping the project on schedule. Importantly, the project is structured so that the electricity generated will not only support Meta’s regional operations but also strengthen the broader grid in southern Ohio.
“Our agreement with Oklo enables the development of 1.2 gigawatts of nuclear energy in Southern Ohio, supporting Meta’s operations in the region—including our AI supercluster in New Albany,” said Urvi Parekh, head of global energy at Meta. “This project will create jobs, spur local innovation, and advance American leadership in energy technology. By investing in baseload nuclear energy, we’re helping build a resilient and sustainable future for our communities.”
The project also aligns closely with broader redevelopment efforts led by SODI to transform thousands of acres surrounding the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant. Once a critical asset for America’s national security, the site is being reimagined as a center for advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and high-tech industry. The Oklo-Meta partnership represents a key milestone in this long-term transition, demonstrating how legacy federal sites can be repurposed to support modern energy needs.
“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,” said Kevin Shoemaker, general counsel at SODI. “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.”
As the demand for reliable, carbon-free electricity continues to grow, particularly from data-intensive industries, the collaboration between Oklo and Meta highlights a broader shift toward advanced nuclear as a cornerstone of the clean energy transition. If successful, the Pike County project could serve as a model for how private-sector partnerships can accelerate the deployment of next-generation nuclear technology while delivering economic and environmental benefits at scale.
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