Meta Invests Billions to Sustain Illinois Nuclear Power Plant

Meta announced a significant multi-billion-dollar investment to purchase all the clean energy attributes from Constellation Energy’s Clinton Clean Energy Center, a 1.1 gigawatt nuclear power plant in central Illinois. This agreement, starting in June 2027 and extending through 2047, is designed to support the plant’s continued operation by providing a guaranteed customer as subsidies expire.

While the electricity generated will continue to flow into the local grid rather than powering Meta’s data centers directly, the purchase of clean energy credits helps Meta lower its overall carbon footprint. This form of carbon accounting prevents potential increases in emissions and aligns with Meta’s broader sustainability goals.

The Clinton plant had faced closure risks due to competition from cheaper natural gas and the expiration of Illinois’ zero-emission credit subsidies in 2027. Meta’s deal effectively replaces these subsidies, ensuring the plant’s long-term viability without relying on ratepayer support. This move also reflects a broader trend of big tech companies investing in nuclear power as a stable, low-carbon energy source amid rising data center demand fueled by AI and cloud computing growth.

Meta’s commitment to nuclear energy is part of a larger strategy to secure clean, reliable power. Earlier this year, Meta solicited proposals for new nuclear plants capable of generating 1 to 4 gigawatts of power, receiving over 50 qualified submissions across more than 20 states. This demonstrates the company’s proactive approach to meeting its escalating energy needs sustainably.

This deal also highlights how nuclear power is regaining favor in the tech sector, reversing a previous decline caused by cheaper renewable and fossil fuel alternatives. As AI and cloud infrastructure demand surges, nuclear energy offers a reliable, low-carbon backbone to power these technologies sustainably.

In summary, Meta’s investment in the Clinton nuclear plant is a strategic move that supports clean energy goals, stabilizes critical power infrastructure, and signals a renewed partnership between big tech and nuclear energy. This approach could serve as a model for other companies seeking to balance growth with sustainability in an energy-hungry digital economy.