Springfield, IL – Tech giant Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has signed a 20-year agreement with Constellation Energy to purchase carbon-free nuclear power from the Clinton Clean Energy Center—enough to support operations and potentially power over 1 million Illinois homes.
The deal ensures the continued operation of the Clinton facility beyond 2027, when current state subsidies are set to expire. It also includes a planned 30-megawatt power uprate, reinforcing energy reliability across the region.
According to Constellation, this long-term partnership with Meta reflects the growing need for stable, around-the-clock electricity to run massive data centers and artificial intelligence infrastructure. Yet, for Illinois residents, the benefits go beyond technology—supporting local jobs, tax bases, and grid strength that keeps homes powered.
“This agreement shows what’s possible when the private sector invests in clean nuclear energy,” said State Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris). “But we must go further. Illinois still has a moratorium on building new large-scale nuclear reactors. That’s holding us back.”
While Illinois lawmakers lifted the state’s ban on small modular reactors (SMRs) in 2023, large-scale reactor construction is still prohibited under a law dating back to 1987. The Clinton–Meta agreement includes provisions to explore building an advanced reactor or SMR on-site—if state law allows it.
Rezin and others say updating Illinois’ nuclear policies is critical to retaining future investment and expanding clean energy options. The Clinton plant currently supports more than 1,000 jobs and plays a key role in regional energy supply.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram & like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have something you’d like to let us know about? Message us on our social channels and let us know about it!
