Meta and Constellation Energy signed a 20-year power purchase agreement that will guarantee the operation of the Clinton Clean Energy Center in Illinois for at least two more decades. This agreement will provide 1121 megawatts of emission-free emission-free electricityfrom nuclear power, which will power Meta’s operations in the region and support its growing energy needs linked to artificial intelligence.
Commercial agreement guarantees operational continuity
The contract The contract comes into effect in June 2027, just as the state’s Zero Emissions Credit (ZEC) program that had financially supported the plant expires.The contract comes into effect in June 2027, just when the state’s Zero Emissions Credit (ZEC) program, which had financially supported the plant, expires. Unlike that taxpayer-subsidized scheme, the new agreement represents a purely commercial solution to ensure the plant’s continuity without tax burden. According to Constellation, this will allow it to maintain and expand a clean energy source. source of clean energy key to MISO’s grid. key source of energy for the MISO grid.
As a result of the agreement, the Clinton nuclear plant will add an additional 30 megawatts through technology upgrades. This will prevent the loss of 1,100 direct and indirect jobs and bring in more than $13.5 million annually in local taxes. Constellation will also invest $1 million in community initiatives over the next five years, reinforcing its commitment to Clinton and the surrounding area.
Nuclear energy in Meta’s energy strategy
Urvi Parekh, Meta’s Global Energy Director, noted that this commitment to carbon-free energy is vital to the company’s future operations, especially in the context of its growing AI infrastructure. Meta seeks to align 100% of its electricity consumption with clean energy and this contract represents a significant step towards that goal.
Local and state officials praised the deal for combining environmental sustainability with tangible economic benefits. The Clinton plant, which generates enough electricity to power more than 800,000 homes, is positioned as a strategic lynchpin in Illinois’ energy transition, avoiding emissions equivalent to 7.4 million vehicles over two decades.
Constellation is also considering applying for an extension of its siting permit or a new permit with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to install small modular reactors (SMRs) (SMRs) at the site. This move would solidify Clinton as a long-term technology and energy hub in the region.
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Source and photo: Constellation
