CLINTON, Ill. — In a landmark partnership aimed at boosting clean energy and preserving local jobs, Meta has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with Constellation Energy to support continued operations at the Clinton Clean Energy Center in central Illinois.
A Deal to Sustain Nuclear Energy for Decades
Beginning June 2027, Meta will receive 1,121 megawatts of emissions-free nuclear power through this long-term deal. The Clinton facility, previously at risk of closure due to financial losses, will now be able to extend operations well beyond the expiration of Illinois’ Zero Emission Credit (ZEC) program in 2027.
According to Constellation’s announcement, this partnership is not only environmentally impactful but economically vital — preserving over 1,100 high-paying jobs, injecting $13.5 million in annual tax revenue, and contributing $1 million to local nonprofits over five years.
“We’re proud to partner with Meta to secure this plant’s future without relying on ratepayer support,” said Joe Dominguez, CEO of Constellation. “Supporting relicensing is just as impactful as new projects.”
Economic and Environmental Impact
Originally slated to close in 2017, the Clinton facility was rescued by the Future Energy Jobs Act, which introduced the ZEC program. This new agreement ensures that the plant’s clean energy output will continue, with an additional 30 megawatts added through planned uprates.
A report from The Brattle Group projected that Clinton’s closure would have increased carbon emissions by 34 million metric tons over 20 years and led to an annual $765 million GDP loss across Illinois.
“This isn’t just about energy—it’s about preserving communities,” said Rep. Regan Deering (R-IL). “This kind of investment protects jobs and stabilizes our energy future.”
Meta’s Commitment to Clean Power
Meta’s energy lead, Urvi Parekh, emphasized that clean and reliable energy is “necessary to advance our AI ambitions,” and reaffirmed the company’s pledge to match 100% of its energy usage with renewable and clean sources.
With public support for nuclear energy rising—61% approval in 2025, per Gallup—this partnership marks a broader trend toward repowering America’s nuclear infrastructure through private investment rather than public subsidy.
Clinton Facility’s Long-Term Role
The Clinton Clean Energy Center, in operation since 1987, directly employs 530 workers, powers over 800,000 homes, and plays a critical role in stabilizing the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) zone 4 grid, which covers central and southern Illinois.
Future plans may include developing an advanced nuclear reactor or small modular reactor (SMR) at the Clinton site—potentially solidifying Illinois as a national leader in clean nuclear innovation.
Do you think private partnerships like this are the best path forward for clean energy? What role should nuclear power play in Illinois’ energy future? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.
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