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In a major push to support its growing energy needs, particularly for artificial intelligence (AI) operations, Meta—the parent company of Facebook—has signed a 20-year agreement with Constellation Energy, one of the leading nuclear power providers in the United States. The deal will secure electricity from the Clinton Clean Energy Center, a nuclear facility located in Illinois, beginning in 2027.
This strategic investment will see Meta take over the entire electric output of the plant, totaling 1,121 megawatts (MW). Additionally, the agreement includes the provision of 30 MW of incremental capacity to the broader electricity grid, the companies announced on Tuesday.
Replacing State Subsidies with Private Investment
The deal marks a turning point in energy policy and private sector involvement, as Meta’s investment will replace state government subsidies that have previously kept the Clinton plant operational. This new financing structure offers the plant a critical lifeline, ensuring its continued function at a time when nuclear energy is making a comeback in global clean energy discussions.
“As we look toward our future energy needs in advancing AI, we recognize the immense value of nuclear power in providing reliable, firm electricity,” said Meta in a public statement.
AI Drives Soaring Energy Demand in Tech Sector
The move underscores a broader trend among tech giants as AI continues to drive a surge in energy consumption. Companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are also exploring or investing in nuclear energy as they expand their data centers to support AI workloads.
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According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), electricity consumption by data centers is expected to more than double by 2030, with AI being a major contributing factor. This surge in demand presents serious challenges for securing reliable, sustainable, and scalable power sources.
Nuclear Energy: A Reliable, Carbon-Free Option
For tech companies like Meta, nuclear energy is becoming an increasingly attractive solution. Unlike solar or wind, nuclear provides steady, 24/7 baseload power that is carbon-free, aligning with both climate goals and the need for uninterrupted electricity to keep data centers running at high capacity.
The Clinton Clean Energy Center is one of the largest nuclear plants in the Midwest, and Meta’s decision to back it not only supports its own sustainability targets but also contributes to the decarbonization of the regional power grid.
A Broader Shift in Big Tech’s Energy Strategy
Meta’s announcement is the latest in a wave of energy partnerships emerging from Silicon Valley and beyond. Earlier this year, Microsoft signed an agreement with a nuclear startup, and Google has invested in small modular reactors (SMRs) to future-proof its data center energy supply.
This deal with Constellation may also serve as a blueprint for future public-private energy collaborations, particularly as governments seek to reduce subsidies while still meeting climate and energy security objectives.
