TL;DR
Meta has agreed to finance Oklo’s purchase of uranium for the startup’s reactors, a move framed as a significant endorsement of both the company and nuclear energy. Tech firms typically either buy power from existing reactors or place bets on reactor startups; Meta’s choice falls into the latter category.
What happened
Meta announced financing to support Oklo’s acquisition of uranium for reactors operated or planned by the startup. The arrangement places Meta among a small but growing group of technology companies that are directly investing in nuclear projects rather than simply buying electricity from existing plants. Industry observers describe two principal routes for corporate engagement with nuclear: contracting for power from established reactors (including financing restarts or purchasing electricity) or backing emerging reactor companies that aim to commercialize novel designs. Oklo is one of dozens of reactor-focused startups pursuing new technologies in the U.S. The deal has been portrayed as a substantial vote of confidence in Oklo and in the commercial prospects of nuclear power more broadly, though the reporting notes that significant challenges for startups and the nuclear sector remain and are not fully detailed in the source material.
Why it matters
- Signals growing corporate willingness to provide capital directly to nuclear ventures rather than only buying existing power.
- Could help a reactor startup cover one of the critical procurement steps — fuel purchases — which may influence project timelines and investor sentiment.
- Adds to broader momentum for nuclear investment in the U.S., alongside other shifts in the power sector noted in coverage of energy and data-center demand.
Key facts
- Meta will finance Oklo’s purchase of uranium for its reactors.
- Oklo is described in the report as a reactor startup.
- Tech companies have two main approaches to nuclear: buy power from existing reactors (including financing restarts) or invest in reactor startups.
- Dozens of reactor startups in the U.S. are pursuing commercialization of new reactor designs and technologies.
- The deal is characterized as a major vote of confidence for both Oklo and nuclear power generally.
- The reporting states challenges still exist for startups and the nuclear sector, without specifying them.
- Article author: Alexander C. Kaufman; published Jan. 9, 2026 on WIRED.
What to watch next
- Timeline for when Oklo’s reactors might begin operating — not confirmed in the source.
- Details of the financing package, including size and structure — not confirmed in the source.
- Sources and supply chain for the uranium purchases and any related regulatory approvals — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Uranium: A heavy metal used as fuel in many types of nuclear reactors; specific types and enrichment levels affect reactor compatibility.
- Reactor startup: A company developing new nuclear reactor designs or technologies with the goal of commercial deployment.
- Data center: A facility used to house computer systems and associated components, such as storage and telecommunications equipment; they are large consumers of electricity.
- Financing: Provision of funds to support a project or purchase, which can take forms such as loans, equity investments, or purchase guarantees.
Reader FAQ
What exactly did Meta agree to pay for?
Meta will finance Oklo’s purchase of uranium for its reactors, as reported in the source.
Who is Oklo?
Oklo is described in the reporting as a reactor startup working on nuclear reactor projects.
Does this mean new reactors will be built immediately?
Not confirmed in the source.
How large is Meta’s investment or its financial terms?
Not confirmed in the source.
ALEXANDER C. KAUFMAN SCIENCE JAN 9, 2026 3:59 PM Meta Is Making a Big Bet on Nuclear With Oklo Meta will finance Oklo’s purchase of uranium for its reactors. It’s…
Sources
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