Meta strikes nuclear deal with Bill Gates-backed TerraPower for US reactors

Meta has signed a new agreement with TerraPower, the nuclear energy company founded by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, to secure long-term, carbon-free power for its expanding artificial intelligence (AI) operations.

As per the agreement, Meta will support the development of up to eight advanced nuclear reactors in the United States using TerraPower’s Natrium technology. 

Once fully deployed, the reactors could supply as much as 2.4 gigawatts of clean energy to help meet Meta’s growing power needs.

Founded in 2008 by Bill Gates, Nathan Myhrvold, and John Gilleland, TerraPower focuses on developing safer and more efficient nuclear technologies. 

Currently, Gates serves as chair of the company’s board. Its Natrium system combines a 345-megawatt sodium-cooled fast reactor with a molten salt energy storage system, allowing electricity output to increase during periods of peak demand.

While each plant delivers a steady baseload of 345 megawatts, its built-in storage can boost output to around 500 megawatts for more than five hours when renewable sources such as wind or solar are limited.

Notably, TerraPower recently began construction on its first commercial-scale advanced nuclear project in the US, which is expected to be completed by 2030.

Under the new agreement, Meta will fund the early development of two Natrium units and secure energy rights for up to six additional reactors, with deliveries potentially starting as early as 2032.