Meta has entered into a two-decade agreement with Constellation Energy to source nuclear power from the Clinton Clean Energy Center in southern Illinois. This strategic move supports Meta’s goal of using 100% clean and renewable energy for its expanding network of AI-driven data centers.
Instead of investing in new nuclear facilities, Meta will purchase all 1.1 gigawatts of zero-emission power currently generated by the Clinton plant, ensuring the continued operation of the facility. This decision also secures more than 1,000 local jobs. The agreement begins in 2027 and marks Meta’s first direct deal to procure nuclear energy. Additionally, Meta has pledged to contribute an extra 30 megawatts to the regional power grid.
While financial terms remain undisclosed, the agreement is seen as a significant step in Meta’s long-term sustainability and AI infrastructure plans. The company had previously announced plans to add between one and four gigawatts of nuclear capacity across its U.S. operations by the early 2030s, and this deal gives it a strong start.
Compared to tech peers like Google and Microsoft, Meta has been slower in embracing nuclear energy. However, this move highlights a growing acknowledgment within the company of nuclear power’s critical role in delivering stable, clean energy at scale.
Interestingly, Meta once considered building its own nuclear-powered data center, but the project was reportedly halted due to the discovery of an endangered bee species on the proposed site. Internal reports suggest that Meta’s leadership saw the abandoned project as a missed opportunity to lead the industry in nuclear-powered AI development.
As the demand for energy-intensive AI systems continues to rise, Meta’s latest move underscores the increasing importance of reliable, sustainable power sources to support the next generation of technology.
