Meta Strikes 20-Year Nuclear Power Deal to Fuel AI Expansion
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has announced a groundbreaking 20-year agreement with Constellation Energy to power its operations with nuclear energy from the Clinton Clean Energy Center in Illinois. The strategic move underscores big tech’s race to secure reliable and carbon-free energy for powering artificial intelligence data centers.
The deal, revealed on Tuesday, will enable Meta to take over the plant’s full electricity output starting in 2027. The 1,121 megawatts of nuclear power will support Meta’s AI-driven operations across the region. Additionally, the agreement includes 30 megawatts of extra power to be fed into the local electricity grid.
“This partnership reflects our long-term commitment to sustainable energy. 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 statement.
The tech giant’s investment will replace state subsidies, effectively offering the Clinton nuclear plant a financial lifeline. Nuclear energy is regaining global momentum as climate concerns and electricity demands from AI and data centers surge.
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The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that energy demand from data centers will more than double by 2030, highlighting the urgent need for stable energy sources. Meta joins fellow tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, which are also pivoting to nuclear power to secure their energy future.
As Meta scales its AI ambitions, this deal represents a strategic push to balance clean energy goals with computing power needs, positioning nuclear energy as a cornerstone of big tech’s energy playbook.
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