Constellation and Meta Ink 20-Year Nuclear Power Deal  

Constellation Energy and Meta Platforms have signed a landmark 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for the full 1,121-megawatt output of the Clinton Clean Energy Center in Illinois. Beginning in June 2027, the deal secures zero-emission nuclear energy to support Meta’s growing AI-driven data center operations and its 100% clean energy target. 

The agreement ensures the continued operation of the Clinton plant beyond the expiration of Illinois’ Zero Emission Credit (ZEC) program, which had kept the facility running since averting its closure in 2017. As part of the partnership, Constellation will increase the plant’s capacity by 30 megawatts through uprates, preserve 1,100 local jobs, and contribute $13.5 million annually in tax revenue. The company will also invest $1 million over five years to support community development initiatives in Clinton. 

“This partnership secures clean, reliable energy that’s critical for our AI ambitions,” said Urvi Parekh, Meta’s Head of Global Energy. While the nuclear energy will be delivered to the regional grid, it indirectly supports Meta’s local infrastructure, including its DeKalb, Illinois, data center. 

The deal could generate an estimated $785 million in annual revenue for Constellation by 2030 and lays the groundwork for future innovation, including potential deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) pending regulatory approval. It also reflects a growing trend of tech-nuclear partnerships, following similar initiatives by Microsoft and Amazon to ensure clean energy supply for their rapidly expanding data and AI needs.