Meta Strikes Billion-Dollar Deal to Back Nuclear Power Plant in Illinois Through 2047

Meta has agreed to spend billions of dollars to support a nuclear power plant in Illinois. The company will buy all the clean energy credits from the Clinton Clean Energy Center from 2027 to 2047. This move will help keep the 1.1-gigawatt plant running without public funding.

The Clinton plant, located in central Illinois, faced closure in the past due to cheaper energy options like gas and solar. But now, Meta’s long-term deal with energy provider Constellation will help renew its license and ensure it stays active.

Why Is Meta Spending So Much?

Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, needs a lot of electricity to run its data centers. These data centers power AI tools, cloud services, and apps. As more people go online, demand for energy keeps growing.

By investing in nuclear energy, Meta aims to reduce its carbon footprint. Though the electricity from the plant will not go directly to Meta’s data centers, the clean energy credits will help Meta meet its climate goals.

The exact amount of money Meta is paying has not been disclosed. However, sources say it’s a multi-billion dollar deal.

What This Means for the Clinton Nuclear Power Plant?

The Clinton reactor was once scheduled to shut down in 2017. It survived thanks to state subsidies, which are ending in 2027. Without those, the plant might have struggled again.

This new deal with Meta removes that risk. Constellation no longer needs to depend on ratepayer support. Instead, it has a stable partner in Meta for the next 20 years.

In 2022, Constellation applied to extend the plant’s license through 2047. This deal likely ensures that extension goes forward.

Big Tech and the Nuclear Comeback

Meta is not alone in supporting nuclear power. Other big tech firms like Microsoft are also turning to nuclear energy. In fact, Microsoft recently made a deal to restart part of the Three Mile Island reactor.

Earlier this year, Meta invited companies to propose new nuclear power plants in the U.S. It received over 50 proposals from more than 20 states.

These steps show that Big Tech is helping give nuclear energy a second chance, especially as energy demand grows.

Final Thought

This deal is not just about energy — it’s about the future of how we power technology. By backing nuclear energy, Meta is trying to balance growth with climate responsibility. And it may signal a bigger shift in how tech giants think about clean energy.