Meta has signed a new 20-year deal to buy nuclear energy from Constellation Energy’s Illinois power plant, in response to rising AI and data center energy demands.
The deal is set to come into effect from 2027 with Meta purchasing about 1.1 gigawatts of power from the site.
The news comes as the technology giant looks to meet its increased power demands with reliable, clean energy, with discussions underway to find other projects to meet its 1-4 gigawatt target as part of its nuclear request for proposals announced late last year.
“As we look toward our future energy needs in advancing AI, we recognize the immense value of nuclear power in providing reliable, firm electricity, and the role nuclear projects can have in supporting local economies and strengthening America’s energy leadership,” Meta said in a statement.
Meta said the deal also would help support nuclear power as U.S. energy needs are increasing. The Constellation plant was slated for early closure, but Meta’s financing is helping extend its life.
“It’s clear that there are many nuclear power plants serving the U.S. that need long-term support to help our electricity grids remain reliable as energy needs grow,” Meta said in its statement. “Keeping an existing plant operating will have the same positive effect as adding new clean energy to the grid, and avoid the disruption that has occurred when other nuclear units have retired prematurely.”
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With Meta’s backing, the plant will not only remain open for two additional decades but will also support 1,100 jobs and contribute $13.5 million in tax per year, according to the partners.
The Push for Nuclear
Meta is not the only technology company to bet big on nuclear, with companies including Amazon and Google signing a pledge in March calling for nuclear power to triple by 2050.
Google also recently announced its investment in three nuclear energy projects with Elementl Power, while last year Constellation signed a 20-year agreement with Microsoft, selling nuclear power to the company from its Three Mile Island plant.
The push for nuclear power supports AI data centers' high-power needs and meets ESG requirements to pursue sustainable operations.
Meta said it will be continuing to pursue new nuclear capacity and would be seeking partnerships to help develop new locations for future nuclear power plants under its RFP.
Meta said it has received more than 50 submissions under the RFP, ranging from utilities and developers to nuclear technology manufacturers.
“This RFP, targeted at catalyzing early development activity for 1-4 gigawatts of nuclear energy projects, is prioritizing sites where nuclear development can be advanced quickly with high degrees of certainty on execution and timeline,” Meta said.
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Meta has selected a shortlist of the most feasible potential nuclear projects in the U.S. with final announcements to be made later this year.
About the Author
Contributing Writer
Scarlett Evans is a freelance writer with a focus on emerging technologies and the minerals industry. Previously, she served as assistant editor at IoT World Today, where she specialized in robotics and smart city technologies. Scarlett also has a background in the mining and resources sector, with experience at Mine Australia, Mine Technology and Power Technology. She joined Informa in April 2022 before transitioning to freelance work.