Power Ohio's clean energy future

Oklo is advancing plans to develop a scalable 1.2 gigawatt (GW) clean energy campus in Pike County, Ohio, supported by an agreement with Meta Platforms, Inc. to help bring reliable nuclear power to the region. The project is designed to support Meta’s growing data center operations in Ohio while adding new clean generation capacity to the grid.

The Ohio power campus

Oklo plans to develop the project on 206 acres in Pike County, Ohio, land now owned by Oklo and formerly part of the U.S. Department of Energy complex. The land purchase was facilitated in part by the Southern Ohio Diversification Initiative (SODI), which is leading redevelopment efforts across the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant site. The project is designed to:

A new model for clean power development

Oklo’s agreement with Meta provides a mechanism for prepayment for power and early-stage funding to advance project certainty for Oklo’s Aurora powerhouse deployments. The approach enables large energy users to help fund new generation, accelerate development and add reliable, clean, affordable power to the grid.


Read our press release here

Oklo Meta fact sheet(opens in new window)

Why Ohio

Ohio’s location within the PJM Interconnection, one of the largest and most robust power markets in the United States, makes it a strategic hub for clean energy growth. The state’s strong transmission network and proximity to major data center development—including Meta’s AI supercluster in New Albany—position southern Ohio to play a critical role in meeting rising electricity demand from artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure.

Building on a legacy of national service

The project aligns with SODI’s broader efforts to redevelop thousands of acres at the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant—once a cornerstone of America’s national security mission—into a modern hub for clean energy and advanced manufacturing.

Oklo’s Ohio development represents a new chapter for the site: transforming legacy infrastructure into a foundation for the next generation of American energy leadership.

Ohio FAQs

Oklo and Meta are partnering to develop a 1.2 GW power campus in Pike County, Ohio, to support Meta’s data centers in the region.

The project will deliver clean, reliable power in its first phase and provides a mechanism for Meta to prepay for power and provide funding to advance project certainty for Oklo’s Aurora powerhouse deployment. Oklo will use the funds to secure nuclear fuel and advance Phase 1 of the project, supporting the development of clean, always-on power.

Oklo will create around 35 permanent, good-paying jobs for every Aurora powerhouse, including technical engineering positions and administration, warehouse, and routine maintenance (over a 16-unit site). For every eight units, a further ~40-50 jobs will be added.

This is one of the most significant private clean energy investments in the region and a cornerstone of how Oklo is helping meet the growing energy demand from AI, data centers, and advanced manufacturing.

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The partnership will follow a multi-phase approach.

Pre-construction and site characterization will begin in 2026, with the first phase targeted to come online as early as 2030.

The plans for the scalable powerhouse facility are expected to expand incrementally to deliver up to the full target of 1.2 GW by 2034.

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It demonstrates that major technology companies are ready to support development of directly new clean generation, not just buy renewable energy credits. This is an indicator that corporate buyers will transact to ensure their operations are powered by reliable, clean energy. Oklo is providing a scalable, American-built solution that supports both local communities and national energy security.

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Oklo’s community-focused approach is built on active engagement with local leaders and community members to listen, learn, and respond to regional priorities where Oklo deployments are planned. Through these conversations, Oklo is committed to investing in and alongside the communities it serves—supporting workforce development, education pathways, and long-term economic opportunity. Oklo works closely with state, federal, academic, and community partners across Ohio to support workforce development and long-term economic opportunity.

As Oklo grows, we will continue to expand our reach, invest in communities, and build lasting partnerships that support long-term regional prosperity. In the future, Oklo plans to support the community in several ways:

  • Build local jobs and workforce skills: Work with regional partners to prioritize Ohio-based contractors, trades, and suppliers
  • Expand STEM and clean energy education: Collaborate with schools, colleges, and universities across southeast and southern Ohio to develop clean energy and nuclear technology programs
  • Strengthen community partnerships: Host regular information sessions, open houses, and listening sessions to share updates, gather feedback, and build trust
  • Support local organizations and nonprofits: Partner with community-based groups to enhance economic opportunity, advance social well-being, and support regional development
  • Collaborate on local infrastructure and resilience: Coordinate with local officials and utilities to enhance transportation, grid reliability, and emergency response readiness
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Milestone Expected timeline
Pre-construction, site development 2026
General construction begins Early 2027
First phase powerhouses operational ~2030
Site buildout (1,200 MW+ online) 2034 onward

The multi-phase schedule means ongoing construction activity and job creation for years to come.

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This has the potential to become a multi-billion-dollar investment as Oklo constructs and operates the full scale of units contemplated in this agreement.

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Oklo’s power generation facilities and associated infrastructure are financed through a combination of private investment and commercial arrangements, including customer commitments, and do not rely on local utility rate increases. Any applicable incentives or credits are part of broader state and federal programs. The project adds new power to the grid rather than drawing from it, helping ease electricity price pressure and strengthening local reliability.

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Group Benefit
Communities Jobs, infrastructure investment, and tax revenue—all funded through private investment with no added costs to the communities
Households and businesses Protected from cost increases—no utility rate case or cost shift due to Oklo projects
Utilities Gain access to new local, firm capacity without upfront capital risk
Customers (Meta) A access to clean, firm power through an anticipated long-term power purchase agreement
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The project is anticipated to leverage existing transmission corridors and substations in Pike County, reducing the need for costly new infrastructure.

Building near major grid nodes shortens timelines, lowers costs, and minimizes land and water use while helping the regional grid operate more efficiently.

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  • It adds new, firm power right where demand is growing.
  • It supports data center and manufacturing reliability while strengthening the local grid.
  • It’s modular and scalable, with construction and operation phased over time, which means stable jobs and steady progress.
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Oklo’s model combines proven fast-reactor technology with a modern business structure that removes barriers for customers and utilities alike.
We don’t sell unfinished blueprints; we plan to build and operate real powerhouses responsibly, affordably, and in partnership with the communities where we operate.

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All power generation technologies have their strengths. Oklo’s powerhouse has a small footprint compared to renewables, is always-on, and is designed to revitalize existing sites. The Aurora powerhouse will be quick to deploy and plans to recycle used nuclear fuel to fabricate its own fuel.

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The project is intended to operate as front-of-meter within the PJM market.

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This project builds on those earlier plans but represents a larger, master-planned campus that has grown in scope and investment.

The original memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the SODI covered four areas of land, one of which was ~5 acres and located just south of the Centrus site.

The current project involves 206 acres east of Perimeter Road, reflecting a natural evolution of Oklo’s presence at the site.

You can see SODI’s interactive map here: https://ohiou.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=fe14a57f8ccb48d4875cbfbeb17e0271

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The first phase of the project will be located on Parcel 2 of the SODI Site in Pike County, Ohio. This area is part of land managed by SODI, a non-profit organization and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-designated community reuse organization for the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PORTS) site.

On August 15, 2025, Oklo and SODI entered into an agreement of sale for 206 acres of the SODI Site. This agreement enables Oklo to pursue a broader, long-term vision for a multi-phase clean energy campus that includes the deployment of powerhouses, supporting infrastructure, and future energy and technology partnerships.

The land is revitalized by DOE and had been deeded to SODI for economic development purposes. The parcel itself is undeveloped and does not contain existing structures. Any future site activity, such as clearing or preparation, will be carefully planned and carried out in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, environmental requirements, DOE processes, and local permitting.

Through this collaboration, Oklo and SODI are working together to bring new energy infrastructure, jobs, and long-term investment to southern Ohio, positioning the region as a hub for advanced nuclear energy and clean technology deployment.

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Oklo will pursue an NRC commercial license for the Aurora powerhouse deployments planned for Pike County. Our powerhouses are being developed to meet all NRC requirements for safe, reliable commercial operation, and we will continue working closely with the NRC throughout the licensing and construction process to ensure full compliance with Federal regulations.

Oklo is committed to maintaining the highest levels of safety and transparency and will work with regulators at every appropriate stage as part of bringing new clean energy to southern Ohio.

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Oklo continues to collaborate with partners in the region, including Centrus, and is pursuing multiple supply pathways to ensure reliability.

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Ohio is the natural home for Oklo’s power campus because of the role the state has always had in innovation and energy leadership. The state that powered America’s past is now powering its digital future.

Ohio has long been a leader in energy, manufacturing, and technology, from building steel and aircraft to advancing the frontiers of computing. Today, it stands at the center of America’s next industrial revolution, where artificial intelligence, data centers, and digital infrastructure depend on clean, reliable power made right here at home.

In this new era, central and southern Ohio together represent a powerful model of regional collaboration. Central Ohio is emerging as a national hub for advanced computing and data centers—the “Silicon Heartland.” Southeast Ohio, with its strong energy heritage and skilled workforce, is the ideal location to supply the clean, reliable power those facilities need to thrive.

Oklo’s decision to build in Pike County reflects that vision. The region’s legacy in America’s energy story—from its Cold War role in uranium enrichment to its next chapter in clean energy generation—makes it uniquely positioned to lead again.

Together, central and southern Ohio are proving that innovation and community growth can go hand in hand. Oklo is proud to invest in Ohio’s clean energy future, creating new opportunities while helping power the technologies that shape our digital world.

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Using existing transmission infrastructure allows us to integrate efficiently into the grid without requiring significant new buildout. We plan to coordinate closely with the local utility to ensure the project aligns with system needs, reliability, and planning requirements. Discussions with the utility are part of our ongoing project development process.

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Heat removal for Oklo’s Aurora powerhouse is accomplished through liquid sodium coolant, air-cooled condensers outside the powerhouse, and a passive, always-on cooling system. One Aurora powerhouse uses just 9,000 gallons of water a day, or 5 gallons/MWh. That compares to around 200 gallons/MWh for a natural gas combined cycle generation plant, the equivalent to 370,000 gallons of water a day for a 75 MW plant. As a result, a large body of water is not necessary for cooling.

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