Meta and Constellation sign 20-year Illinois nuclear deal
Meta Platforms Inc. has entered a 20-year agreement with Constellation Energy Corp. to buy 1,121 megawatts of electricity from the Clinton nuclear plant in Illinois, marking the tech giant’s largest power deal to date. The contract, which begins in mid-2027, aligns with Meta’s soaring energy needs driven by artificial intelligence and data center expansion.
The agreement comes as the Clinton plant’s state subsidy is set to expire. To ensure long-term viability, Constellation, the largest U.S. nuclear operator, plans to invest in expanding the facility’s output. The company is also considering construction of a second reactor at the site, which already has federal approval.
“This is a logical place for us to build the next generation of assets,” said Constellation CEO Joe Dominguez. Discussions with Meta and other potential partners for such projects are already underway, he added.
Nuclear’s Rising Role in AI Era
As AI rapidly drives up electricity consumption, nuclear energy has become increasingly attractive due to its steady, emissions-free generation. While renewable sources like solar and wind remain part of the mix, their intermittent nature makes consistent nuclear power a valuable asset for tech companies with high energy demands.
Meta’s electricity use nearly tripled between 2019 and 2023. The Clinton deal follows Microsoft’s agreement to buy power from Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island plant and mirrors broader interest across the tech industry. Amazon, Google, and OpenAI-linked Oklo Inc. are also investing in nuclear solutions to meet rising energy needs.
Industry Impact and Future Growth
Shares of Constellation surged as much as 16% following the announcement, with other nuclear-related stocks like Vistra Corp., Oklo, and Nano Nuclear Energy also posting gains. While power remains a relatively small portion of Big Tech’s expenses, the scale of their energy consumption gives them significant influence over the future of the energy sector.
The Clinton plant, once slated for closure due to market pressures, was kept online thanks to a decade-long Illinois subsidy. With that support ending in 2027, Meta’s contract provides critical stability and a path for future development.
Urvi Parekh, Meta’s global head of energy, confirmed that the Clinton deal is part of a broader effort to secure nuclear power. In December, Meta issued a call for up to 4 gigawatts of new nuclear capacity, receiving around 50 proposals—including from Constellation.
“This deal ensures that Clinton stays operational and lays the groundwork for expansion,” Parekh said. “It’s a near-term solution that supports our long-term goals.”
As the AI boom accelerates, this partnership signals a growing trend: tech giants turning to nuclear to power the future.
