Meta and Constellation Energy have entered a 20-year agreement to secure 1,121 megawatts of nuclear power from the Clinton Clean Energy Center in Illinois, marking a significant step in the tech giant’s clean energy strategy. Starting in June 2027, the deal will supply emissions-free electricity to support Meta’s operations in the region and help the company meet its goal of matching all electricity consumption with clean or renewable sources. The agreement ensures that the Clinton facility, once slated for closure, will continue operating for another two decades, even after Illinois’ Zero Emission Credit (ZEC) program ends.
Constellation stated that the agreement supports the Clinton plant’s relicensing and will allow the company to increase the plant’s output by 30 megawatts through efficiency upgrades. The company’s leadership noted that Meta recognized the importance of preserving high-performing existing nuclear plants and viewed the extension of their operating lives as equally impactful as building new energy projects. According to Constellation, this forward-looking partnership not only avoids the economic and environmental costs of plant retirement but also brings stability to the regional energy grid.
Meta emphasized that clean, reliable power is essential to advancing its artificial intelligence ambitions and operating its data centers. Company representatives indicated that supporting nuclear energy helps strengthen U.S. leadership in the energy sector while also creating economic value for local communities. They added that Meta’s decision to back the Clinton plant reflects its broader nuclear strategy, which includes identifying new projects across the U.S. through a request for proposals (RFP) targeting 1 to 4 gigawatts of new capacity.
The Clinton Clean Energy Center has long been recognized as a key contributor to Illinois’ clean energy supply. According to an analysis by The Brattle Group, shutting down the plant would have led to over 34 million metric tons of additional CO₂ emissions over 20 years and reduced Illinois GDP by approximately $765 million annually. With over 1,100 jobs and $13.5 million in annual tax revenue at stake, stakeholders across Illinois expressed strong support for the Meta-Constellation deal. Local officials noted that the investment would safeguard economic stability, support public services, and promote long-term growth in central Illinois.
Constellation also announced it will invest $1 million over five years into community development and workforce programs in the Clinton area. The company is exploring further nuclear development at the site, including the potential construction of a small modular reactor (SMR), pending regulatory approvals. As support for nuclear power grows nationally, reflected in recent polling and bipartisan policy efforts, the Meta-Constellation partnership signals a broader shift in how major corporations are engaging with nuclear energy to meet increasing power needs while advancing climate goals.
