Charles Esther
Meta will use nuclear energy to power its data centers and AI models with a 20-year deal to secure 1.1 gigawatts of energy from an Illinois facility.
Meta has signed a 20-year agreement with nuclear power provider Constellation to purchase 1.1 gigawatts of electricity from the Clinton Clean Energy Center in southern Illinois starting in 2027.
This deal aims to support Meta’s growing energy demands as it advances its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and expands its data center operations.
Meta highlighted the importance of nuclear energy in providing reliable and steady electricity, which is essential for powering AI technologies and data centers efficiently.
AI systems consume vast amounts of energy, and demand for power in AI data centers is expected to more than double by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency.
Meta plans to integrate AI more deeply into its platforms like Facebook and Instagram, including fully automating ad creation by the end of 2025.
The partnership with Constellation will help keep the Clinton nuclear plant operational without relying on Illinois’ Zero Emission Credit program, meaning the plant will run without additional taxpayer subsidies.
The deal is also expected to preserve over 1,100 jobs and generate \$13.5 million in annual tax revenue for the local economy.
Illinois lawmakers, including Republican Regan Deering, praised the agreement as a forward-thinking investment that benefits the state’s economy.
The Clinton nuclear plant was almost shut down in 2017 due to financial difficulties but was saved by Illinois’ Future Energy Jobs Act, which supported the plant through the Zero Emission Credit program until mid-2027.
Meta’s agreement will enable the plant to operate beyond that period without government support.
A study by the Brattle Group found that closing the Clinton plant would increase carbon emissions by over 34 million metric tons over 20 years, equivalent to adding 7.4 million gasoline-powered cars to the roads annually.
The study also estimated that Illinois’ gross domestic product would decline by \$765 million each year if the plant ceased operations.
Meta is also exploring additional nuclear energy projects and is in final talks with several operators to meet its goal of securing 1 to 4 gigawatts of nuclear power for its AI and sustainability initiatives.
This move positions Meta among tech giants investing in clean and reliable energy sources to power the next generation of AI technologies.
It also highlights the growing recognition of nuclear energy’s role in meeting the massive electricity demands of modern data infrastructure while supporting environmental and economic goals.
