Meta has signed a landmark 20-year agreement to source nuclear energy from Constellation’s Clinton Clean Energy Center in Illinois, starting in 2027. The deal, announced on June 3, will see the tech giant purchasing 1.1 gigawatts of electricity to power its expanding artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and data centers.
“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.
Nuclear Power to Support AI and Automated Advertising
Meta’s energy deal reflects a broader trend among tech giants racing to scale AI capabilities. With AI already integrated into its core platforms—Facebook and Instagram—the company plans to fully automate advertising creation by the end of 2025, according to a June 2 report from The Wall Street Journal.
The growing demand for AI services is placing immense pressure on energy systems. The International Energy Agency warned in April that energy consumption by AI data centers is set to more than double by 2030, potentially exceeding Japan’s current total electricity usage.
Local Benefits Without State Subsidies
Meta emphasized that the partnership not only secures a “critical plant” for future energy needs but also adds 30 megawatts of incremental capacity to the regional grid. Significantly, the deal avoids tapping into Illinois’ Zero Emission Credit (ZEC) program, meaning it won’t rely on additional financial support from ratepayers.
Beyond energy reliability, the agreement is poised to deliver substantial economic benefits. Meta says it will preserve over 1,100 jobs at the Clinton facility and inject $13.5 million annually into local tax revenues.
Political and Economic Endorsements
Illinois lawmakers welcomed the announcement. Republican Representative Regan Deering called the deal a “forward-thinking investment” with strong potential to stimulate the local economy and secure energy resilience in the face of rising AI-driven demand.
The agreement underscores Meta’s dual commitment to technological innovation and sustainable, long-term energy sourcing—a growing trend as Big Tech’s AI pursuits scale to unprecedented levels.
