Meta has signed a groundbreaking 20-year agreement with Constellation Energy to purchase nuclear power from the Clinton Clean Energy Center in Illinois. This deal ensures the plant’s continued operation beyond 2027, when Illinois’ zero-emissions credit program is set to expire. It also marks Meta’s first long-term nuclear power purchase, as the company works to meet soaring energy demands driven by artificial intelligence and data center expansion.
The Clinton plant, which produces 1,121 megawatts, will supply 30 megawatts directly to Meta under the deal. In addition to securing clean energy, the agreement preserves over 1,100 local jobs and sustains $13.5 million in annual tax revenue. The plant’s continued operation will depend on the renewal of its license by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, for which Constellation applied last year.
“This agreement ensures a critical plant will stay online and meet growing energy needs,” Meta said in a statement. The company emphasized that the deal supports its long-term goal of matching electricity use with 100% clean energy.
Meta’s move mirrors a broader trend among Big Tech firms seeking stable, carbon-free power sources to meet AI-related energy consumption. Microsoft, Amazon, and Google have also invested in nuclear projects, including advanced reactors and facility restarts. Meta’s head of global energy, Urvi Parekh, noted that utilities increasingly want assurance that existing plants will stay in service.
As part of a larger strategy, Meta has launched a nuclear request for proposals (RFP) to potentially add 1 to 4 gigawatts of new nuclear capacity. The company reports receiving over 50 qualified submissions from developers, utilities, and technology firms across 20 states.
“We are creating a demand signal for nuclear,” Meta stated, highlighting the need to keep current plants running while jumpstarting new projects. The deal aligns with growing policy momentum—25 U.S. states backed nuclear legislation last year, and over 200 bills have been introduced in 2025 alone.
Following the announcement, Constellation Energy shares jumped 5.7 percent.
