A nuclear power plant facing closure since 2017 has secured its future thanks to a new agreement between Meta and Constellation. The partnership will enable the plant to continue operations for an additional 20 years.
Meta and energy firm Constellation revealed the details of the deal today. This collaboration will not only help the plant enhance its capacity but also serves Meta’s commitment to reduce its carbon emissions. This agreement is part of a growing trend of collaborations between major tech companies and the nuclear sector, aligning with Meta’s strategy to establish more nuclear reactors to support its AI data centers.
The Clinton Clean Energy Center, located in Illinois, was originally scheduled for closure in 2017 due to financial struggles. Although a state tax credit intended for carbon-free energy allowed it to remain operational until 2027, this new agreement with Meta provides additional financial stability moving forward, though specifics on the investment have not been disclosed.
This collaboration is part of a growing trend of partnerships between major tech companies and the nuclear sector.
The investment is enough to increase the plant’s energy output by 30 megawatts, bringing its total capacity to 1,121 MW. For perspective, the first offshore wind farm in the U.S., located off Rhode Island with only five turbines, has a capacity of 30 MW, which can power approximately 17,000 homes.
Maintaining the operation of the Clinton facility is projected to preserve around 1,100 local jobs and generate sufficient electricity to supply 800,000 homes. The plant has been operating since it was first licensed in 1987, and Constellation has applied for a license renewal that would extend its operation to 2047.
This marks Meta’s inaugural power purchase agreement focused on nuclear energy, typically a strategy companies adopt to mitigate their greenhouse gas emissions. The Clinton plant produces both electricity and “clean energy attributes,” which are certificates that signify the environmental advantages of carbon-free energy generation. Income derived from these certificates is intended to encourage the growth of clean energy, although the tangible benefits are often subject to scrutiny.
Meta is acquiring an undisclosed number of these certificates to offset part of its energy consumption. The company aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. However, its latest sustainability report indicates an increase in carbon emissions since 2019, largely attributed to its intensified focus on AI.
Similarly, Google and Microsoft have observed rises in emissions driven by their growing energy demands for AI. Meta has recently faced opposition regarding plans for its largest data center yet, to be built in Louisiana, where the local utility has proposed the construction of three new gas plants to meet energy needs.
The challenges associated with satisfying the energy demands for AI while balancing environmental impacts have spurred renewed interest in the U.S. nuclear power sector. Earlier this year, Microsoft entered into a deal with Constellation aimed at reviving the previously decommissioned Three Mile Island reactor.
In addition, Meta has joined Amazon and Google in promoting the advancement of next-generation reactor technology. The company has initiated a proposal request for new nuclear projects expected to yield between 1,000 and 4,000 MW of additional capacity by early 2030s. According to Meta, this initiative is progressing, with ongoing discussions with a select group of projects after receiving over 50 proposals. Constellation is also contemplating the development of an advanced nuclear reactor at the Clinton site.
