Meta Strikes 20-Year Deal to Power AI Ambitions with Illinois Nuclear Plant

Starting in 2027, the Clinton nuclear plant will supply energy directly to Meta’s growing infrastructure needs, particularly as the company scales up its AI capabilities across platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. The deal comes amid soaring demand for power across the tech sector, with the International Energy Agency projecting that AI data centers could consume more electricity by 2030 than Japan does today.

“As we look toward our future energy needs in advancing AI, we recognize the immense value of nuclear power in providing reliable, firm electricity,”

Meta said in a June 3 statement , emphasizing its long-term bet on carbon-free energy.

We’ve signed an agreement with @Meta for the emissions-free output of Clinton Clean Energy Center. Deal supports Meta’s clean energy goals and operations in the region while enabling us to relicense and continue operating Clinton for another 20 years. 1/3 https://t.co/VQnTVnl1jp

— Constellation (@ConstellationEG) June 3, 2025

The new deal adds 30 megawatts of incremental capacity to the grid and ensures the preservation of more than 1,100 jobs, while contributing $13.5 million annually in local tax revenue — all without tapping into ZEC funds. The strategic partnership also signals a major win for the local economy, drawing praise from lawmakers such as Rep. Regan Deering, who called it a “forward-thinking investment.”

Environmental and economic impacts are significant. A March analysis by the Brattle Group concluded that closing the Clinton plant would have added over 34 million metric tons of carbon emissions over two decades — the equivalent of putting 7.4 million gas-powered vehicles on the road for a year. The same report estimated a $765 million annual loss in Illinois’ GDP if the plant shut down.

Meta’s ambitions don’t end in Illinois. The company confirmed it is finalizing negotiations with a shortlist of nuclear projects to meet its broader 1- to 4-gigawatt clean energy target, part of a sweeping strategy to balance AI innovation with sustainability.

Additionally, Meta received approval from the European Data Protection Board to begin training its artificial intelligence models with publicly shared content from its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger.

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