Meta Platforms Inc. has signed a groundbreaking agreement with Constellation Energy to support the long-term operation of the Clinton Clean Energy Centre, a nuclear power plant in Illinois. This marks Meta’s first direct power purchase agreement (PPA) with a nuclear facility, as Big Tech intensifies efforts to secure clean, reliable energy for growing AI and data centre demands.
Why Meta’s Nuclear Power Deal Matters
This partnership arrives as U.S. power demand surges for the first time in two decades, driven by the energy-intensive needs of AI technologies and hyperscale data centres. The deal ensures the continued operation of the Clinton nuclear plant, which provides zero-emissions electricity and powers the equivalent of 800,000 homes.
Illinois currently supports the plant through a Zero Emissions Credit (ZEC) program, which expires in 2027. Meta’s agreement will step in to provide financial support, with an undisclosed investment, to aid in the plant’s relicensing and operational costs beyond that date.
A Model for Big Tech’s Energy Future
This agreement sets a precedent for other tech giants looking to secure stable and sustainable energy sources. It reflects growing interest among hyperscalers in nuclear power’s unmatched reliability and carbon-free energy profile, especially as they seek to meet ESG goals and power-hungry AI initiatives.
“One of the things we hear very acutely from utilities is they want to have certainty that power plants operating today will continue to operate,” said Urvi Parekh, Head of Global Energy at Meta.
Constellation Energy and Industry Reaction
Constellation Energy’s stock rose 5.7% to $330.93 following the announcement. Other nuclear-related stocks also surged, including Energy Fuels, Uranium Energy, and Centrus Energy, which gained between 7.2% and 11%.
“We’re definitely having conversations with other clients… to step in and do what Meta has done,” said Joe Dominguez, CEO of Constellation Energy.
The deal will also allow Constellation to expand the Clinton plant’s capacity by 30 megawatts, bringing its total to 1,151 MW.
Worker and Policy Support
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) praised the deal for delivering a “stable work environment” for plant employees. Meanwhile, analysts see this as the first of many nuclear energy partnerships to come.
“This is likely the first of many deals,” said Nicholas Amicucci, Evercore ISI analyst, citing President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders to quadruple U.S. nuclear capacity.
Clinton Nuclear Plant at a Glance
- Location: Illinois
- Operator: Constellation Energy
- Capacity: 1,121 MW (to be expanded by 30 MW)
- Homes Powered: ~800,000
- Operational Since: 1987
- License Renewal Application: Through 2047
Final Thoughts: Big Tech Backs Nuclear for Long-Term Sustainability
Meta’s landmark deal with Constellation Energy underscores the growing alignment between the tech sector and nuclear energy providers. As data centre power demands accelerate, nuclear power is becoming a critical component of the clean energy mix. Expect more tech companies to follow Meta’s lead in partnering with nuclear facilities to ensure sustainable, emission-free power for decades to come.
