TLDR;

Meta has struck a multibillion-dollar deal to purchase the clean energy attributes of an Illinois nuclear plant starting in 2027.
The agreement ensures the Clinton plant’s operations through 2047, replacing expiring public subsidies with private funding.
The deal preserves over 1,000 local jobs and supports Meta’s growing energy needs amid the AI boom.
Constellation may expand the site further, with advanced nuclear tech on the horizon thanks to Meta’s backing.

Meta is doubling down on its climate commitments by entering a multibillion-dollar, 20-year agreement with Constellation Energy to secure the clean energy output from the Clinton Clean Energy Center in Illinois.

Meta Big Bet on Nuclear’s Future

Beginning in June 2027, Meta will purchase the clean energy attributes of the 1,121-megawatt nuclear facility as part of its pledge to match its electricity use with zero-emission sources. While the power from the plant will still serve the local grid, Meta gains the carbon-free credentials needed to lower its overall environmental footprint.

This move reflects a growing trend among Big Tech giants. With AI models, data centers, and cloud services driving up electricity demand, companies like Meta are turning to nuclear energy as a stable and emissions-free solution. The Clinton plant, which once faced possible closure due to financial strain, now has a secure future thanks to this partnership.

Public Subsidies Replaced by Private Investment.

Illinois had previously intervened to save the Clinton facility by introducing a Zero Emission Credit (ZEC) program. That program is set to expire in 2027. Meta’s deal effectively takes over the role of providing economic certainty for the plant’s continued operation without burdening taxpayers.

“This deal will expand Clinton’s clean energy output by 30 megawatts through plant uprates; preserve 1,100 high-paying local jobs; deliver $13.5 million in annual tax revenue; and add $1 million in charitable giving to local nonprofits over five years,” Meta and Constellation confirmed in a joint statement on Tuesday.

The agreement marks a shift from public to private support for nuclear energy and positions Meta as a long-term backer of clean infrastructure. It also opens the door for further technological advancement at the site, with Constellation considering future development of advanced or small modular reactors.

Energy reliability meets economic resilience in Clinton

Clinton’s community leaders have praised the agreement, noting that it secures more than just electricity. Local schools, emergency services, and businesses all benefit from the steady employment and tax base the plant provides. The agreement is expected to support over 1,000 jobs, keeping skilled workers in the region while also maintaining reliable power for thousands of homes.

Joe Dominguez, CEO of Constellation, noted the broader impact of letting valuable infrastructure decay.

“Sometimes the most important part of our journey forward is to stop taking steps backwards,” he said, pointing to the ripple effects of plant closures on jobs, pollution, and energy costs.

That said, Meta’s interest in nuclear isn’t limited to Clinton. Earlier this year, the company invited proposals for new nuclear plants across the United States and has since received dozens of submissions. This latest agreement with Constellation is seen as a vote of confidence in the viability of existing nuclear sites and their role in powering AI and cloud computing ambitions.

The post Meta Strikes Billion-Dollar Deal to Power Future with Illinois Nuclear Plant appeared first on CoinCentral.

---

Filed under: News - @ June 4, 2025 7:26 am