Meta’s 20-Year Nuclear Deal Fuels AI Ambitions with Clean Energy

Meta has secured a landmark 20-year agreement with Constellation to power its artificial intelligence (AI) and data center operations with 1.1 gigawatts of nuclear energy from the Clinton Clean Energy Center in Illinois, starting in 2027.

This deal not only ensures a reliable, low-carbon energy source for Meta’s ambitious AI projects but also prevents the closure of a critical nuclear facility, preserving jobs and boosting the local economy.

As tech giants race to meet the soaring energy demands of AI, Meta’s move highlights the pivotal role of nuclear power in balancing innovation with sustainability, though it raises questions about the scalability of such solutions.

A Strategic Nuclear Partnership

On June 3, Meta announced its agreement with Constellation Gompers, a leading nuclear power provider, to secure 1.1 gigawatts of electricity from the Clinton Clean Energy Center.

This facility, located in southern Illinois, will support Meta’s data centers and AI models, including those integrated into Facebook and Instagram.

The deal adds 30 megawatts of incremental grid capacity and ensures the plant’s operation without relying on Illinois’ Zero Emission Credit program, saving taxpayers from additional costs.

Meta emphasized that nuclear power’s reliability is crucial for its goal of fully automating ad creation on its platforms by the end of 2025, a plan reported by The Wall Street Journal on June 2.

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Economic and Environmental Impact

The Clinton facility, which narrowly escaped closure in 2017 due to financial losses, was saved by Illinois’ Future Energy Jobs Act. Meta’s deal extends the plant’s viability, preserving over 1,100 jobs and contributing $13.5 million annually in tax revenue, according to Constellation.

A March 2025 analysis by the Brattle Group estimated that closing Clinton would increase carbon emissions by 34 million metric tons over 20 years, equivalent to adding 7.4 million gasoline-powered cars to the roads for a year.

The agreement aligns with Meta’s sustainability goals, as the company aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. Illinois lawmakers, including Republican Regan Deering, praised the deal as a “forward-thinking investment” that strengthens the local economy.

Did You Know?
The Clinton Clean Energy Center generates enough electricity to power approximately 700,000 homes annually, making it one of Illinois’ largest clean energy sources.

AI’s Energy Hunger and Industry Trends

The energy demands of AI are surging, with the International Energy Agency projecting that AI data centers will consume over twice Japan’s current electricity by 2030.

Meta’s nuclear deal positions it alongside competitors like Google and Microsoft, which are also exploring nuclear energy to power AI workloads.

Recent industry data indicates that electricity use in U.S. data centers reached 17 gigawatts in 2024, with AI-driven demand expected to push this number to 35 gigawatts by 2030.

Meta is actively pursuing additional nuclear partnerships, targeting 1-4 gigawatts through ongoing requests for proposals, as announced last December. This move underscores the tech industry’s shift toward nuclear power as a stable, low-carbon alternative to meet escalating energy needs.