Meta Secures 20-Year Nuclear Power Deal with Constellation in Illinois

December 23, 2025

Constellation and Meta have inked a significant 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) that will supply Meta’s operations in the region with 1,121 megawatts of emissions-free nuclear energy from Constellation’s Clinton Clean Energy Center. This landmark deal, commencing in June 2027, ensures the continued operation and relicensing of the Clinton nuclear facility for two decades beyond the expiration of Illinois’ Zero Emission Credit (ZEC) program, providing a market-based solution for clean energy.

Key Takeaways

A 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) between Constellation and Meta for the Clinton Clean Energy Center.
Secures 1,121 megawatts of emissions-free nuclear energy for Meta’s operations.
Supports the relicensing and continued operation of the Clinton nuclear facility.
Expands the plant’s clean energy output by 30 megawatts through uprates.
Preserves 1,100 local jobs and provides significant annual tax revenue.
Includes $1 million in charitable giving to local nonprofits over five years.

Ensuring Clean Energy and Economic Stability

The agreement is poised to significantly benefit the Clinton community and the broader region. It will facilitate an expansion of the Clinton plant’s clean energy output by 30 megawatts through plant uprates. Furthermore, the deal is instrumental in preserving approximately 1,100 high-paying local jobs and is projected to deliver $13.5 million in annual tax revenue. Over a five-year period, the partnership will also contribute $1 million in charitable giving to local nonprofits.

Joe Dominguez, president and CEO of Constellation, highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating, "We are proud to partner with Meta because they asked that important question, and even better, they figured out that supporting the relicensing and expansion of existing plants is just as impactful as finding new sources of energy." This sentiment was echoed by Urvi Parekh, Head of Global Energy at Meta, who commented, "Securing clean, reliable energy is necessary to continue advancing our AI ambitions." The PPA effectively replaces the state’s ZEC program, ensuring the plant’s long-term viability without reliance on ratepayer support.

Environmental and Economic Impact

The Clinton Clean Energy Center plays a crucial role in the region’s economy and environmental health. It directly employs over 530 individuals and generates substantial annual tax revenue. The facility produces enough carbon-free electricity to power more than 800,000 homes. An analysis by The Brattle Group indicated that closing the Clinton plant would lead to a significant increase in carbon emissions and a substantial annual drop in Illinois’ GDP, impacting businesses and jobs across various sectors. The agreement with Meta averts these negative consequences.

Future Growth and Community Investment

Beyond maintaining current operations, the agreement with Meta enables Constellation to explore future growth opportunities. This includes evaluating strategies to extend the plant’s existing early site permit or seek a new construction permit for the development of an advanced nuclear reactor or small modular reactor (SMR) at the Clinton site. Constellation is also reinforcing its commitment to the Clinton community through increased charitable giving, investing $1 million over five years to support local workforce development, social services, education, and nonprofits. This initiative aligns with a growing public support for nuclear energy, with a recent Gallup poll showing a rise to 61% among U.S. adults.

Local policymakers and stakeholders have widely welcomed the announcement. Clinton Mayor Helen Michelassi expressed optimism about the economic future, while state representatives like Regan Deering and Sally Turner emphasized the smart, private investment that benefits families and local economies without burdening taxpayers. U.S. Representative Mary Miller noted the preservation of over 1,000 high-paying jobs, and Bobby Wendell of IBEW Local 51 affirmed the stable work environment this agreement provides for their members.