Aiken County, January 26, 2026
Meta Platforms is making waves in Aiken County with an $800 million investment to establish a new data center. This facility aims to create 100 jobs and operate on 100% renewable energy. Concurrently, Meta is pursuing a nationwide strategy to secure nuclear energy projects, targeting up to 6.6 gigawatts of clean electricity by 2035. This dual investment strategy highlights both local economic growth and innovative energy solutions essential for technological advances and sustainable development.
Aiken
Aiken’s Energy Future: Meta’s Bold Moves & Nuclear Vision
As Aiken continues its trajectory of economic growth and innovation, the arrival of tech giants like Meta Platforms in our community marks a significant chapter. While Meta establishes its local presence with a substantial investment in Aiken County, the company is also making waves Nationwide with a forward-thinking strategy in commercial nuclear energy, sparking discussions about the future of power generation and its potential to fuel burgeoning industries.
The convergence of local economic development, driven by private sector investment, and a broader Nationwide shift towards diversified, reliable energy sources, underscores themes of entrepreneurial innovation and strategic foresight. The commitment to securing stable and abundant power is crucial for the ongoing expansion of critical infrastructure, reflecting a national imperative for sustainable economic progress.
Meta’s Local Investment Fuels Aiken’s Economy
Meta Platforms is making a significant economic impact right here in Aiken County. The company is establishing its first South Carolina operation with a new data center in the Sage Mill Industrial Park, representing an $800 million investment. This project is expected to create 100 new operational jobs within the community.
The 715,000-square-foot data center is designed to be optimized for Meta’s artificial intelligence (AI) workloads and is projected to be operational by spring 2027. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, the data center’s electricity use will be matched with 100% renewable energy. To achieve this, Meta is partnering with solar and community energy infrastructure company Silicon Ranch to bring a 100-megawatt solar farm online in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, also by 2027. This collaborative effort, involving Central Electric Power Cooperative and Aiken Electric Cooperative, highlights how private enterprise can drive local investment and contribute to the region’s energy infrastructure.
Nationwide Vision: Meta’s Strategic Embrace of Nuclear Energy
Beyond its local solar initiatives in South Carolina, Meta Platforms is embarking on a significant Nationwide strategy to secure its energy future, particularly for its expanding AI infrastructure. The company has announced agreements to support nuclear energy projects across the United States, aiming to secure up to 6.6 gigawatts (GW) of clean and reliable electricity by 2035. This substantial commitment reflects the growing energy demands of advanced technologies, where stable, baseload power is paramount.
Meta plans to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify nuclear energy developers capable of delivering 1-4 GW of new nuclear generation capacity in the U.S. starting in the early 2030s. The company is backing advanced reactor developers like TerraPower and Oklo, providing funds to support the development of new Natrium units and Oklo’s Aurora powerhouses. These strategic partnerships highlight an entrepreneurial approach to energy procurement, seeking innovative solutions from the private sector to meet future power needs.
The Economic Imperative for Nuclear Power
The increasing Nationwide demand for electricity, particularly from industries reliant on robust digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence, is bringing commercial nuclear energy back into focus. Experts argue that nuclear power offers a stable, low-carbon energy source crucial for supporting economic growth and national security.
On a Nationwide scale, the nuclear industry supports nearly half a million jobs in the United States, with domestic nuclear power plants employing up to 800 workers whose salaries can be 50% higher than those from other generation sources. These facilities also contribute billions of dollars annually to local economies through federal and state tax revenues. The consistent, reliable power supplied by nuclear plants can decrease consumer vulnerability to electricity price volatility, fostering a more predictable environment for business planning and investment.
Entrepreneurial Drive and Modern Energy Solutions
The discourse surrounding Meta’s engagement in nuclear energy often highlights the role of entrepreneurial spirit and private sector innovation in driving progress. Opinion pieces, such as those by Jack Spencer of The Heritage Foundation, suggest that the commercial nuclear revolution will truly begin when pioneers can demonstrate the profitability of new nuclear power.
This perspective emphasizes that companies like Meta, collaborating with agile and competitive reactor design firms such as TerraPower and Oklo, bring new thinking to how power plants are built and operated. These private initiatives, coupled with access to capital and a focus on operational efficiency, could accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. This approach aligns with a philosophy that champions limited government intervention, allowing the private sector to lead the way in solving complex energy challenges and fostering significant economic opportunities.
South Carolina’s Place in a Diversified Energy Landscape
While Meta’s direct nuclear energy investments are currently focused on a Nationwide scale rather than specifically in South Carolina, the state benefits from and contributes to a broader understanding of energy diversity. The presence of Meta’s data center in Aiken County, powered by renewable solar energy, showcases South Carolina’s appeal for major tech investments and its capacity to integrate various energy sources.
As the Nationwide conversation around advanced nuclear technologies progresses, South Carolina, with its history in energy production and its focus on economic development, remains well-positioned to observe and potentially participate in future energy innovations. The continuous evolution of energy policy and technology Nationwide will undoubtedly influence future business decisions and infrastructure development, impacting communities like Aiken.
Looking Ahead: Powering Progress in Aiken and Beyond
Meta Platforms’ strategic moves, both in its significant solar-powered data center investment in Aiken County and its Nationwide commitment to advancing nuclear energy, illustrate a clear path toward securing robust and reliable power for the future. This dual approach underscores the importance of diverse energy strategies to support rapid technological advancements and sustained economic growth.
For Aiken, Meta’s presence signifies not only new jobs and capital investment but also its integration into a forward-looking energy ecosystem. By fostering an environment that encourages private sector innovation and thoughtful infrastructure development, Aiken can continue to attract leading businesses and ensure a prosperous future for its residents. We encourage all residents and businesses to stay engaged with these crucial developments that shape our local economy and energy landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Meta Platforms investing in in Aiken County, South Carolina?
Meta Platforms is investing $800 million to establish its first South Carolina operation with a new data center in Aiken County, expected to create 100 new operational jobs.
How will Meta’s data center in Aiken County be powered?
The data center’s electricity use will be matched with 100% renewable energy. Meta is partnering to bring a 100-megawatt solar farm online in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, by 2027 to help power its South Carolina data center.
What is Meta’s Nationwide strategy regarding nuclear energy?
Nationwide, Meta Platforms has announced agreements to support nuclear energy projects in the U.S., aiming to secure up to 6.6 gigawatts (GW) of clean and reliable electricity for its data centers and AI infrastructure by 2035.
Which companies is Meta partnering with for nuclear energy development?
Meta is partnering with advanced reactor developers like TerraPower and Oklo, providing funds to support the development of new Natrium units and Oklo’s Aurora powerhouses on a Nationwide scale.
What are the economic benefits of nuclear energy on a Nationwide scale?
Nationwide, the nuclear industry supports nearly half a million jobs in the United States, with domestic nuclear power plants employing up to 800 workers whose salaries can be 50% higher than those from other generation sources. These facilities also contribute billions of dollars annually to local economies through federal and state tax revenues.
Key Features of Meta’s Energy Strategy
| Feature | Description | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Aiken County Data Center Investment | $800 million investment, 100 new operational jobs. | Aiken County, South Carolina |
| Aiken Data Center Energy Source | 100% renewable energy, supported by a 100-megawatt solar farm. | Orangeburg County, South Carolina (solar farm); Aiken County, South Carolina (data center) |
| Nationwide Nuclear Energy Commitment | Aiming for up to 6.6 GW of clean and reliable electricity by 2035. | Nationwide |
| Nuclear Development Partnerships | Collaborating with advanced reactor developers like TerraPower and Oklo. | Nationwide |
| Job Creation (Nuclear Industry) | Supports nearly half a million jobs in the United States. | Nationwide |
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Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
