Meta and Constellation have finalised a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) to utilise 1,121MW of emissions-free nuclear energy from the Clinton Clean Energy Center in Illinois, the US. Starting in June 2027, this agreement will ensure continued operations of the Clinton facility for two additional decades, following the conclusion of the state’s zero emission credit (ZEC) programme. The deal aims to enhance Clinton’s clean energy output by 30MW, maintain 1,100 local jobs, generate $13.5m in annual tax revenue, and contribute $1m to local nonprofits over five years.
Meta Global Energy head Urvi Parekh said: “We are excited to partner with Constellation and the Clinton community to ensure the long-term operations of the nuclear plant, add new capacity, and help preserve over 1,000 jobs. Securing clean, reliable energy is necessary to continue advancing our AI ambitions.”
Initially, the Clinton Clean Energy Center faced potential closure in 2017 due to financial challenges, despite its strong performance. The Future Energy Jobs Act, which introduced the ZEC programme, helped avert its shutdown by providing financial support through mid-2027. The new agreement with Meta replaces the ZEC programme with a market-based solution, securing the plant’s long-term operation without relying on ratepayer support. This PPA will continue to supply power to the local grid, ensuring reliability and cost-effectiveness, while Meta acquires the clean energy attributes to meet its renewable energy commitments.
The Clinton Clean Energy Center has a substantial economic and environmental impact. It employs over 530 people and produces enough carbon-free electricity for over 800,000 homes, contributing $13.5m annually in taxes.
A report by The Brattle Group indicated that closing Clinton would increase emissions by over 34 million metric tonnes of carbon over 20 years, comparable to adding 7.4 million gasoline-powered cars to the roads for a year. The report also suggested a $765m annual reduction in Illinois’ GDP, affecting businesses and employment across various sectors. The agreement with Meta prevents these potential negative outcomes.
This partnership will allow Constellation to introduce new clean energy to the grid in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator’s (MISO) zone four territory, covering parts of Illinois.
With the assurance of Clinton’s operation for another 20 years, Constellation is considering extending the plant’s early site permit or pursuing a new construction permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for developing advanced nuclear reactors or small modular reactors (SMRs) at the site.
