Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is taking a major leap toward securing clean and reliable energy to fuel its artificial intelligence ambitions. On Tuesday, the tech giant announced a 20-year agreement with U.S.-based Constellation Energy to draw power from the Clinton Clean Energy Center, a nuclear power plant in Illinois.
The long-term partnership marks a pivotal shift in how big tech is preparing for a future dominated by energy-hungry AI technologies. As the demand for data processing skyrockets, so does the need for stable, carbon-free electricity—and nuclear energy is making a strong comeback.
Meta’s deal is more than just a power purchase agreement. Beginning in 2027, the company’s investment will replace existing state subsidies that were essential to keeping the Clinton facility operational. In doing so, Meta is not only ensuring energy security for its regional data centers but also providing a financial lifeline for the nuclear plant.
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The Clinton facility will supply Meta with 1,121 megawatts of nuclear energy—enough to support substantial portions of its data operations in the region. An additional 30 megawatts will be added to the grid, bolstering overall capacity in Illinois.
“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.
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The announcement reflects a broader trend among tech leaders, including Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, who are increasingly turning to nuclear energy to meet soaring power requirements while reducing their carbon footprints.
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, data centers have become more energy-intensive than ever. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), electricity demand from data centers is expected to more than double by 2030—a forecast that has raised serious questions about the long-term sustainability of power infrastructure.
In the race to develop advanced AI systems and maintain leadership in the global digital economy, securing clean, uninterrupted power is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Meta’s commitment to nuclear power signals a strategic and environmental pivot, one that could redefine how the tech industry approaches energy for decades to come.
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