Meta Platforms Inc. Secures Clean Energy Future with 20-Year Nuclear Power Deal

In a significant move to bolster its clean energy portfolio, Meta Platforms Inc. has entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Constellation Energy for the entire output of the Clinton Clean Energy Center, a nuclear facility in Clinton, Illinois. This agreement, set to commence in June 2027, aims to support Meta's escalating energy demands driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and data center expansion.

The Clinton Clean Energy Center, operational since 1987, is a single-unit nuclear power plant with a capacity of 1,121 megawatts, sufficient to power approximately 800,000 homes. In 2017, the plant faced potential closure due to financial challenges. The Illinois legislature intervened by passing the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), which established a Zero Emission Credit (ZEC) program providing financial support through mid-2027. The PPA with Meta replaces the expiring ZEC program, ensuring the plant's operation without additional ratepayer support.

Under the PPA, Meta will purchase 1,121 megawatts of emissions-free nuclear energy annually, aligning with its commitment to match 100% of its electricity use with clean and renewable energy. The agreement also facilitates a 30-megawatt capacity increase at the plant through efficiency upgrades. Additionally, Constellation plans to invest $1 million over five years in local charitable contributions, supporting workforce development, social services, education, and nonprofits in Clinton and surrounding communities.

Joe Dominguez, President and CEO of Constellation, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, "We are proud to partner with Meta because they figured out that supporting the relicensing and expansion of existing plants is just as impactful as finding new sources of energy."

Urvi Parekh, Head of Global Energy at Meta, highlighted the agreement's alignment with Meta's energy goals, saying, "We are excited to partner with Constellation and the Clinton community to ensure the long-term operations of the nuclear plant, add new capacity, and help preserve over 1,000 jobs. Securing clean, reliable energy is necessary to continue advancing our AI ambitions."

This agreement reflects a broader trend among major technology companies investing in nuclear energy to meet the rising electricity demands associated with AI advancements and data center operations. For instance, Microsoft has entered into a 20-year agreement to purchase power from the Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station, supporting its expanding AI data centers. Similarly, Amazon is investing in X-energy to develop 5 gigawatts of small modular reactor (SMR) capacity by 2039.

The Meta-Constellation agreement has significant social and economic implications:

• Job Preservation and Economic Stability: The deal preserves over 1,100 high-paying local jobs and maintains approximately $13.5 million in annual tax contributions to schools and local services, ensuring economic stability for the Clinton community.

• Environmental Impact: By preventing the closure of the Clinton plant, the agreement avoids an estimated increase of over 34 million metric tons of carbon emissions over 20 years, equivalent to adding approximately 7.4 million gasoline-powered cars to the road for a year.

• Energy Security: The partnership contributes to energy security by providing a reliable, carbon-free power source to meet the growing demands of AI technologies and data centers.

This strategic alliance between Meta and Constellation not only ensures a stable supply of clean, reliable nuclear energy for Meta but also revitalizes the Clinton facility, preserving over 1,100 local jobs and contributing significantly to the regional economy. The deal underscores a growing trend among tech giants turning to nuclear power to support their energy-intensive AI advancements.