Meta strikes deal with fledgling nuclear power firm in Illinois as energy needs of AI data centres mount

Image Source: Unsplash

Meta has signed a 20-year agreement with Constellation Energy to secure nuclear power from the Clinton Clean Energy Center in Illinois, aiming to offset with clean power rapidly growing energy demands from its AI data centres. 

The deal will help keep the 1,121-megawatt facility online beyond 2027, when state subsidies expire.

The agreement ensures the long-term operation of the Clinton plant, adding 30 megawatts of new capacity and preserving over 1,100 local jobs. It also supports relicensing efforts without depending on Illinois' Zero Emission Credit (ZEC) programme.

Meta said nuclear energy offers the firm, emissions-free power required to fuel next-generation technologies, including AI. The Clinton deal aligns with the company’s goal to match its electricity use with 100 per cent clean and renewable energy.

The plant, which powers more than 800,000 homes, will generate an estimated $13.5 million annually in local tax revenue. The agreement also allows Constellation to explore additional nuclear development at the site.

Meta has launched a nuclear request for proposals (RFP) process to secure 1–4 gigawatts of additional nuclear capacity. 

The company says it has received over 50 qualified responses from utilities, developers, and technology manufacturers across 20 states.

Meta's push into nuclear comes amid rising concerns about the power consumption of AI systems, which rely on energy-intensive data centers. 

By turning to nuclear, the company is betting on one of the few scalable clean energy options capable of meeting these needs.