Tech giant Meta has signed a 20-year contract with Constellation Energy to purchase nuclear power, joining the growing trend of major technology companies investing in clean energy to power their data centers and AI infrastructure.
Details of Record-Breaking Energy Agreement
Starting June 2027, Meta will purchase the complete output of the Clinton Clean Energy Center nuclear plant in Illinois, representing approximately 1.1 gigawatts of clean energy. This long-term investment in nuclear power saves the plant from potential closure and ensures continued operations even after state subsidies expire in mid-2027.
Key parameters of the agreement include:
- Expansion of plant capacity by an additional 30 megawatts
- Preservation of 1,100 quality jobs in the region
- Generation of $13.5 million in annual tax revenue
- Support for relicensing and facility modernization
Strategic Background of Nuclear Energy Investment
Joe Dominguez, CEO of Constellation Energy, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “They understood that supporting relicensing and expansion of existing plants is just as important as finding new energy sources.” The plant won’t directly power Meta’s data centers but will contribute to the regional grid and help achieve the company’s goal of 100% clean electricity.
Tech Sector and Nuclear Renaissance
Meta joins a growing list of technology leaders investing in nuclear energy. Microsoft has already secured a similar deal to reopen Three Mile Island, while Google pledged to finance three new nuclear sites. Amazon invested over $500 million in developing small modular reactors (SMRs).
Main drivers behind tech investments in nuclear energy:
- Growing energy demands from AI technologies and data centers
- Need for reliable clean energy sources
- Long-term energy security and supply stability
- Support for corporate climate objectives
Future of American Nuclear Power
President Donald Trump recently signed four executive orders focused on accelerating nuclear reactor construction with the goal of quadrupling America’s nuclear capacity by 2050. These measures include reforming the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and building a domestic supply chain for nuclear fuel.
Constellation is considering applying for new permits to potentially build a small modular reactor directly at the Clinton site. This modern technology promises a more cost-effective way to expand nuclear energy, although no SMRs are currently operational in the US.
Impact on Investment Environment
The agreement between Meta and Constellation Energy signals growing confidence in nuclear power as a key component of the future energy mix. Urvi Parekh, Meta’s head of global energy, confirmed: “Securing clean, reliable energy is essential for advancing our AI ambitions and strengthening American energy leadership.”
Constellation Energy shares recorded modest growth following the deal announcement, reflecting positive investor sentiment toward the nuclear energy sector and long-term energy contracts with technology companies.
