Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has signed a 20-year deal with Constellation Energy to secure nuclear power for its expanding AI and computing operations. The agreement will boost clean energy production from the Clinton Clean Energy Center in Illinois and is the latest example of big tech turning to nuclear power to meet growing electricity demands.
Though financial details weren’t disclosed, the deal ensures Meta will have access to a reliable, zero-emission power source starting June 2027, when Illinois’ taxpayer-funded clean energy support for the Clinton plant expires. The new partnership will add 30 megawatts to the plant’s output—enough to power a small city of 30,000 people—and help preserve 1,100 local jobs while generating $13.5 million annually in tax revenue.
“Securing clean, reliable energy is necessary to continue advancing our AI ambitions,” said Urvi Parekh, Meta’s head of global energy.
The Clinton plant, once at risk of closing in 2017 due to financial struggles, was kept afloat by a state-level zero-emission credit program. Now, with Meta’s long-term commitment, the plant’s future looks more secure.
Tech Industry’s Nuclear Pivot
As the demand for AI infrastructure and data centers skyrockets, tech giants are increasingly turning to nuclear energy to meet power needs while staying aligned with climate goals.
Constellation, which also owns the infamous Three Mile Island nuclear site, announced plans last year to restart the reactor for Microsoft’s data center use. Similarly, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are investing in small nuclear reactors (SMRs) and advanced nuclear projects. Google recently backed three nuclear energy projects with Elementl Power.
Meanwhile, U.S. states are racing to attract such tech-powered investments. In 2023, 25 states passed laws supporting advanced nuclear energy, and over 200 nuclear-friendly bills have been introduced in 2024, according to the Nuclear Energy Institute.
Nuclear Growth Still Faces Challenges
Despite enthusiasm, experts remain skeptical about whether the U.S. can meet the Biden administration’s target of quadrupling nuclear capacity in 25 years. Only two new reactors have been built in the past half-century, both in Georgia, and they came in years late and $17 billion over budget.
“That’s my biggest concern,” said George Gross, a University of Illinois professor, referring not to reactor tech but to the aging power grid that distributes electricity. He warns that transmission infrastructure hasn’t kept pace with the rising energy demand.
While Meta’s deal marks a significant step toward powering AI cleanly, experts say grid investment must accompany nuclear development for these efforts to succeed. Meanwhile, major tech firms are also investing in solar and wind energy to round out their clean energy portfolios. Shares of Constellation Energy Corp. remained flat following the announcement.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter |The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Whatsapp Channel | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Instagram
About us:
The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News is a premier platform dedicated to delivering latest news, updates, and insights from the tech industry. With its strong foundation of intellectual property and thought leadership, the platform is well-positioned to stay ahead of the curve and lead conversations about how technology shapes our world. From its early days as CIO News to its rebranding as The Mainstream on November 28, 2024, it has been expanding its global reach, targeting key markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, the USA, and the UK. The Mainstream is a vision to put technology at the center of every conversation, inspiring professionals and organizations to embrace the future of tech.
