Meta Platforms Inc. has entered into a 20-year agreement with Constellation Energy to support the continued operation of the Clinton Clean Energy Center, a nuclear reactor in Illinois. This marks Meta's first partnership with a nuclear facility, reflecting a growing trend among Big Tech companies to secure long-term, carbon-free power sources amid increasing U.S. electricity demands, driven largely by artificial intelligence and data centers.
The Clinton Clean Energy Center currently generates 1,121 megawatts, supplying energy to approximately 800,000 homes. Under the new agreement, the plant will expand its capacity by an additional 30 megawatts. Starting in 2027, when state subsidies via zero emissions credits expire, Meta's financial support will help fund the plant's re-licensing and operational costs.
This collaboration is part of a broader movement among technology companies to invest in nuclear energy as a reliable and carbon-free power source. In a similar vein, Microsoft has partnered with Constellation Energy to restart a unit at the Three Mile Island plant in Pennsylvania, aiming to provide power for its data centers. The plant, which closed its last reactor in 2019, will undergo a four-year, $1.6 billion restoration effort.
Constellation Energy has also secured a $1 billion contract with the U.S. government to supply nuclear power over the next decade. This agreement involves delivering electricity to more than 13 federal agencies, including the Department of Transportation and the Army Corps of Engineers, covering over 10 million megawatt-hours. The contract includes $840 million for nuclear power and $172 million for energy efficiency improvements.
Meta's move aligns with its broader strategy to meet the rising energy demands of its data centers, particularly those supporting artificial intelligence workloads. The company has previously expressed interest in adding 1 to 4 gigawatts of new U.S. nuclear generation capacity starting in the early 2030s, seeking proposals from nuclear power developers to help meet its AI and environmental goals.
The partnership between Meta and Constellation Energy underscores a significant shift in the energy strategies of major technology firms. By investing in nuclear power, these companies aim to ensure a stable and sustainable energy supply for their operations, while also contributing to broader carbon reduction goals. This trend may pave the way for similar collaborations in the future, as the tech industry continues to seek reliable and clean energy solutions.