Meta Secures Long-Term Future of Clinton Clean Energy Center with Constellation Partnership

Constellation and Meta have signed a 20-year agreement to secure the long-term future of the Clinton Clean Energy Center, a nuclear power plant in Illinois. The deal supports continued operation, expansion, and relicensing of the plant, which provides clean energy to the Midwest grid and employs over 530 people. The agreement prevents the plant's closure, which would have led to increased emissions and economic impacts on the region.

Constellation and Meta have signed a 20-year agreement to secure the long-term future of the Clinton Clean Energy Center, a nuclear power plant in Illinois. The deal supports continued operation, expansion, and relicensing of the plant, which provides clean energy to the Midwest grid and employs over 530 people. The agreement prevents the plant's closure, which would have led to increased emissions and economic impacts on the region.

The celebration, attended by community members, labor leaders, and employees, marked the landmark agreement that secures the plant's future and its contributions to the community. The agreement follows the expiration of the state’s Zero Emission Credit (ZEC) program in May 2027, ensuring the plant's continued operation and expansion [1].

Kathleen Barrón, Constellation Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, stated, "Now more than ever, it’s critical that we maintain and expand all sources of clean, reliable energy, and thanks to Meta’s investment, the future of the Clinton Clean Energy Center and its contributions to this community are secure" [1].

Kevin Janda, director, global data center strategy, Meta, emphasized the importance of nuclear energy for Meta's AI ambitions. "Nuclear energy is a vital component of our strategy to support Meta's AI ambitions. By partnering with Constellation at the Clinton Clean Energy Center, we're ensuring a stable and reliable power source that bolsters grid resilience and supports thousands of local jobs" [1].

The Clinton Clean Energy Center's economic and environmental impacts are significant. It directly employs more than 530 people, contributes approximately $13.5 million in annual taxes, and generates enough emissions-free electricity to power over 800,000 homes [1].

The agreement also enables Constellation to add new clean energy to the grid in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator’s (MISO) zone four territory, which spans central and southern Illinois. As part of the deal, the Clinton facility will add 30 megawatts of increased output through nuclear uprates [1].

Constellation's commitment to the Clinton community extends beyond the plant's operation. The company has pledged to invest $1 million over five years beginning in 2026 to support workforce development, social services, education, and local nonprofits in Clinton and surrounding areas [1].

The agreement is a victory for union workers, Clinton, and the future of clean energy in Illinois. Bobby Wedell, Business Manager of IBEW Local 51, stated, "Our members have proudly powered this facility for decades, and thanks to the partnership between Constellation and Meta, we can look ahead with confidence" [1].

The Clinton Clean Energy Center was originally licensed in 1987 and supplies enough clean electricity to power more than 800,000 homes. With this agreement, Clinton will continue playing a vital role in decarbonizing the power grid while supporting high-paying union jobs and driving regional economic growth [1].

References:
[1] https://www.constellationenergy.com/newsroom/2025/08/central-illinois-rallies-to-celebrate-a-new-era-for-the-clinton-clean-energy-center.html
[2] https://www.wandtv.com/news/clinton-power-station-celebrates-landmark-agreement-with-meta/article_961636c6-3f9f-4775-b919-cdf4df22fbe1.html