Constellation Energy Corporation on June 3, 2025, to buy nuclear power from the Clinton Clean Energy Center in Illinois.
Starting in June 2027, Meta will purchase approximately 1.1 gigawatts of emissions-free nuclear energy, which is the entire output of the plant’s single reactor. This deal supports the relicensing of the Clinton facility, ensuring its operation for another two decades after Illinois’ zero-emission credit program expires in 2027. The agreement also prevents the plant’s premature closure, preserving 1,100 jobs, generating $13.5 million in annual tax revenue, and adding $1 million in charitable giving over five years.
This move aligns with Meta’s goal to match 100% of its electricity use with clean energy, driven by the growing power demands of its AI operations and data centers. It also reflects a broader trend among tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, who are increasingly partnering with nuclear energy providers to meet sustainability goals—evidenced by their pledge in March 2025 to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050. However, while this deal is framed as a win for clean energy, it’s worth noting that nuclear power, despite being carbon-free, carries risks like radioactive waste management and potential accidents, as seen historically at Three Mile Island, which Constellation is also restarting for Microsoft. Additionally, the reliance on large tech firms to fund nuclear plants raises questions about energy market dynamics and whether smaller players can compete fairly in this space.
