Meta Secures 20-Year Nuclear Power Deal With Constellation Energy

Meta has secured a 20-year power purchase agreement with Constellation Energy to obtain 1,121 megawatts of emissions-free nuclear energy from the Clinton Clean Energy Center in Illinois. This deal, effective from June 2027, will support Meta's clean energy initiatives and regional operations. The agreement will enable the Clinton plant to increase its clean energy output by 30 megawatts through plant uprates, preserve over 1,100 local jobs, deliver $13.5 million in annual tax revenue, and contribute $1 million in charitable giving to local nonprofits over five years.

The Clinton Clean Energy Center, capable of powering approximately 800,000 homes, was initially slated for closure in 2017 due to financial losses. The Future Energy Jobs Act's Zero Emission Credit program provided financial support to the plant through mid-2027. Meta's agreement with Constellation offers a market-based solution, replacing the ZEC program and ensuring the plant's long-term operations without ratepayer support. This deal will enable the Clinton Clean Energy Center to continue providing grid reliability and low-cost power to the region for decades.

Meta's decision to secure clean, reliable energy is driven by the increasing demand for artificial intelligence and other computing needs. By partnering with Constellation, Meta aims to advance its AI ambitions while supporting the local community and economy. The agreement aligns with Meta's goal to match 100% of its electricity use with clean and renewable energy.

The economic and environmental impacts of the Clinton Clean Energy Center are significant. The Center directly employs over 530 people and contributes approximately $13.5 million in annual taxes. An analysis found that shutting down the plant would raise emissions by more than 34 million metric tons of carbon over 20 years, equivalent to adding approximately 7.4 million gasoline-powered cars on the road for a year. The same report indicated that Illinois' GDP would drop by $765 million annually, impacting businesses and jobs across multiple industries. Constellation's deal with Meta prevents these adverse impacts.

Under the agreement, Constellation will add 30 megawatts of increased output from nuclear uprates, covering central and southern Illinois. With the guarantee that the Clinton plant will continue to run for another two decades, Constellation is also evaluating strategies to extend the plant’s existing early site permit or seek a new construction permit to pursue the development of an advanced nuclear reactor or small modular reactor (SMR) at the Clinton Clean Energy Center site.

Constellation's commitment to the Clinton community includes increased charitable giving, with the company investing $1 million over five years starting in 2026 to support workforce development, social services, education, and local nonprofits. This announcement comes as public support for nuclear power continues to rise, with a recent poll indicating that support for nuclear energy has increased to 61% of U.S. adults.

The agreement has been welcomed by Illinois policymakers and key stakeholders, who recognize the importance of the Clinton nuclear plant to the local economy and community. The partnership ensures the continuation of clean energy and good-paying jobs in central Illinois, driving economic development for decades to come.