Meta Inks 20-Year Nuclear Pact to Fuel AI Expansion

Meta has secured a controversial 20-year nuclear energy deal to power its AI infrastructure, signaling a massive bet on compute-intensive workloads. The move comes as tech giants scramble to lock in energy sources for their AI ambitions—because nothing says 'innovation' like doubling down on 1950s fission tech.

Analysts predict this will pressure other Big Tech firms to follow suit, potentially reshaping energy markets. Meanwhile, crypto miners nod approvingly from their coal-fired data centers.

TLDR

• Meta signed a 20-year nuclear energy deal with Constellation to power AI data centers, securing 1.1 gigawatts from Illinois facility starting 2027
• The agreement will preserve over 1,100 jobs and contribute $13.5 million annually in tax revenue without taxpayer support
• Clinton nuclear plant was scheduled to close in 2017 but was saved by Illinois’ Future Energy Jobs Act until mid-2027
• Meta received over 50 qualified submissions for additional nuclear projects targeting 1-4 gigawatts across 20+ states
• The deal adds 30 megawatts of incremental capacity to the grid while keeping existing clean energy online

Meta has signed a 20-year nuclear energy agreement with Constellation Energy to power its artificial intelligence operations and data centers. The deal secures 1.1 gigawatts of power from the Clinton Clean Energy Center in southern Illinois starting in 2027.

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 tech giant announced the partnership on June 3, highlighting nuclear power’s role in providing reliable electricity for AI development. Meta has integrated AI models into Facebook and Instagram and plans to fully automate ad creation by the end of 2025.

AI technology requires massive amounts of energy to operate effectively. The International Energy Agency projects that AI data center power demands will more than double by 2030, consuming slightly more electricity than Japan uses today.

The Clinton facility was originally scheduled to close in 2017 after years of financial losses. Despite being one of Illinois’ best-performing nuclear plants, it faced shutdown until the state’s Future Energy Jobs Act provided support through mid-2027.

Meta’s agreement ensures the plant operates without taxpayer funding or the state’s Zero Emission Credit program. The deal preserves over 1,100 local jobs at the facility and surrounding areas.

Economic Impact on Local Communities

The partnership contributes $13.5 million annually in tax revenue to local governments. Republican lawmaker Regan Deering called it a forward-thinking investment that WOULD boost the regional economy.

Constellation noted that shutting down Clinton would have raised emissions by more than 34 million metric tons of carbon over 20 years. This equals putting 7.4 million gasoline-powered cars on the road for one year.

Expanding Nuclear Energy Portfolio

Meta continues pursuing additional nuclear projects through its request for proposals process launched earlier this year. The company received over 50 qualified submissions from utilities, developers, and nuclear technology manufacturers across more than 20 states.

The submissions include diverse technology options and commercial terms for projects ranging from 1-4 gigawatts. Meta has identified a shortlist of potential projects and expects to finalize decisions this year.

The company aims to activate investment in new nuclear facilities across multiple electrical grids and technologies. These projects would provide reliable power to support future data center operations as AI technology expands.

Meta’s nuclear strategy includes both preserving existing facilities and developing new capacity. The approach creates demand signals for nuclear energy development while supporting local economies and maintaining grid reliability.

The Clinton agreement adds 30 megawatts of incremental capacity to the electrical grid while allowing Constellation to explore further nuclear development at the site.