Nuclear Energy's Quiet Revolution: How Oklo's Partnerships Are Powering the Data Center Future—and What It Means for Investors

The data center revolution is no longer a distant vision—it's here, and it's hungry for power. As AI workloads surge, with inference tasks growing at a 122% CAGR through 2028, the demand for clean, reliable energy has outpaced supply. Enter Oklo Inc., a nuclear startup redefining how we power the digital age. Its strategic alliances with Vertiv and Liberty Energy are not just reshaping energy infrastructure; they're creating a blueprint for how nuclear technology can meet the insatiable needs of data centers while positioning investors to capitalize on a $1.2 trillion clean energy market.

Oklo's Strategic Alliances: Bridging the Gap Between Nuclear and Digital

Oklo's Aurora powerhouse, a 75 MWe liquid metal-cooled fast reactor, is the linchpin of these partnerships. Designed to operate for 10 years without refueling, it offers a high-capacity, low-emission solution for data centers struggling with grid instability and cooling inefficiencies. But Oklo's genius lies not just in its reactor—it's in how it's integrating nuclear power with digital infrastructure.

1. Vertiv: Cooling the Future of AI
Data centers are notorious energy guzzlers, with cooling systems accounting for up to 40% of total power use. Oklo's collaboration with Vertiv—leader in digital infrastructure—addresses this head-on. By leveraging steam and electricity from the Aurora powerhouse to power Vertiv's cooling systems, the partnership co-optimizes energy efficiency. This is not theoretical: a pilot demonstration is slated for the first Aurora plant at Idaho National Laboratory by 2027. The result? A modular, scalable solution that reduces environmental impact while boosting performance for hyperscalers like Amazon and Meta.

2. Liberty Energy: A Two-Phase Path to Decarbonization
For large-scale users, transitioning to zero-carbon energy overnight is unrealistic. Liberty Energy's Forte℠ natural gas solutions provide immediate power, while Oklo's Aurora reactors offer a clean, long-term alternative. This two-phase model allows customers to scale power with confidence, with Liberty managing the transition. Given Liberty's early $10 million investment in Oklo and its expertise in grid management, this partnership is a masterstroke—positioning Oklo as a bridge between legacy energy and the nuclear future.

The Investment Case: Nuclear Meets the AI-Driven Energy Boom

The implications for investors are clear: Oklo's partnerships are accelerating the commercialization of advanced nuclear energy, a sector poised for exponential growth. Let's break down the key players and their stock trajectories.

GE Vernova (GEV), a leader in nuclear and grid infrastructure, has surged 280% since its 2024 IPO, driven by its BWRX-300 SMR design and AI-driven grid software. Its recent acquisition of Alteia—a French AI company—signals a strategic pivot toward smart infrastructure, mirroring Oklo's integration of nuclear and digital systems. GEV's 90% year-to-date gain underscores the sector's momentum.

Talen Energy (TLN) has also thrived, climbing 180% in the past year. Its $3.8 billion acquisition of natural gas plants and 20-year power purchase agreements with Amazon position it as a critical player in the transition to nuclear-powered data centers. Talen's diversified portfolio—nuclear, gas, and renewables—makes it a low-risk, high-reward bet.

Rolls-Royce (RYCEY), while traditionally an aerospace giant, has pivoted to nuclear with its SMR contracts in the UK. Its 1,000% surge over three years reflects investor confidence in next-gen nuclear tech. With adjusted earnings growth projected at 35% in 2025, RYCEY is a sleeper stock for those eyeing the long-term.

Risks and Rewards: A Nuanced View

Nuclear energy isn't without challenges. High upfront costs, regulatory hurdles, and long construction timelines (Oklo's Aurora plant is slated for 2027) mean patience is required. However, U.S. policy under President Trump—aiming to quadruple nuclear output by 2050—and Big Tech's aggressive PPAs (Microsoft's 20-year Three Mile Island deal) are mitigating these risks.

For investors, the key is to focus on companies with dual exposure: those bridging nuclear technology and digital infrastructure. Oklo's partnerships exemplify this. By aligning with Vertiv and Liberty Energy, it's not just selling reactors—it's selling a solution to the energy crisis at the heart of the AI revolution.

The Road Ahead: Where to Invest

• Oklo (OKLO): While not yet public, its upcoming IPO (expected in 2026) could be a high-risk, high-reward opportunity. Track its NRC licensing progress and Aurora deployment timelines.
• Vertiv (VRTV): Its 2025 stock price has stabilized after a 2024 slump, offering a potential entry point for long-term growth.
• Liberty Energy (LELY): As a private company, it's less accessible, but its public partners (e.g., Talen) offer indirect exposure.

The uranium market, too, is surging. Cameco (CCJ) and BWX Technologies (BWXT) are benefiting from increased demand for nuclear fuel, with CCJ up 20% in 2025. For diversified exposure, consider the Themes Uranium and Nuclear ETF (URAN), which tracks the entire nuclear supply chain.

Conclusion: A New Era of Energy-Digital Synergy

Oklo's partnerships are more than strategic—they're transformative. By integrating nuclear power with data center infrastructure, the company is proving that clean energy can meet the demands of the digital age. For investors, this convergence of nuclear innovation and AI-driven infrastructure is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. The question isn't whether nuclear energy will power the future—it's who will profit most from building it.

In a world where every second of AI compute time is a battle for power, Oklo and its allies are winning. The next step? To bet on the companies turning nuclear heat into digital progress.