Meta Ignites AI Theme on 1.2 GW Ohio Nuclear Campus News

On January 8 (U.S. local time), Oklo, Inc. (OKLO), a developer of small modular reactors (SMRs), saw its shares surge 7.9% to $105 on the New York Stock Exchange, lifting its market capitalization to about $16.4 billion. The one-day gain of over $1.4 billion followed Meta Platforms, Inc. (META) announcing plans to power its planned 1.2 GW advanced nuclear campus in Pike County, Ohio, with Oklo’s “Aurora” reactor.

Oklo Inc. to bring 800 nuclear energy jobs to Oak Ridge with $1.68 ... ## Oklo to Power AI Supercluster, Emerging as Symbol Stock for Data Center-Dedicated Reactors

In its January 9 announcement, Meta unveiled a long-term power procurement package securing up to 6.6 GW of nuclear capacity with Oklo, TerraPower and Vistra Corp. Key highlights include:

  • Partners: Oklo, TerraPower and Vistra Corp.
  • Total capacity: Up to 6.6 GW of new and expanded nuclear generation.
  • Oklo’s scope: A 1.2 GW campus in Pike County, Ohio, targeting commercial operation in the early 2030s to supply most of the power for Meta’s “Prometheus” AI data center supercluster.
  • Deal structure: Power prepaid and initial development funding provided by Meta, significantly reducing Oklo’s project-risk and financing uncertainties despite its lack of commercial reactor track record.

Growth Story from 2.1 GW to 14 GW Fueled by Successive Data Center Contracts

Oklo’s share rally reflects a continuation of its “data center-dedicated reactor” narrative rather than a one-day event. In December 2024, Oklo signed a nonbinding master power purchase agreement with Switch, Inc. (SWCH) to supply up to 12 GW of its Aurora microreactors—boosting its order pipeline from about 2.1 GW to roughly 14 GW. The subsequent commitment from Meta, including prepaid power and development support, prompted the market to reclassify Oklo as a growth stock directly tied to AI infrastructure demand.

M ## Regulatory and Fuel Variables Offset by Major Clients’ “Credibility Guarantee”

Oklo has faced valuation swings amid U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensing risks and the challenge of commercializing high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel. However, two developments have bolstered investor confidence:

  • In October 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) selected Oklo for its Fast-Track Fuel Fabrication Pilot Program, designating it as a priority for advanced reactor fuel manufacturing.
  • Industry-leading customers such as Meta and Switch have committed as long-term power purchasers, effectively underwriting both regulatory and commercialization risk.

Analysts attribute the latest 7.9% share jump less to near-term earnings and more to the crystallizing long-term growth trajectory driven by AI and data center power demand.