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Meta’s data centers and nuclear power

July 10, 2025, 9:32AMANS Nuclear Cafe
The Clinton nuclear power plant. (Photo: Constellation)

A recent article in the Chicago Tribune explores the benefits and potential drawbacks of the 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) signed by Constellation Energy and Meta last month.

Meta owns and operates several social media platforms and communication services, including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Messenger and WhatsApp.

Through that PPA, Meta agreed to support the relicensing and continued operations of Constellation’s Clinton nuclear power plant in rural central Illinois, for another two decades after the state’s ratepayer-funded zero emission credit program expires in 2027.

Taking over subsidies: Meta has agreed to take over subsidies that Illinois ratepayers have been providing for nuclear power since 2017. “The move could be the first step in a Silicon Valley bailout of nuclear power stations that supply half the electricity generated in Illinois,” according to the article.

Constellation sees the PPA as a possible template for other Illinois nuclear plants, which will also be affected by the 2027 expiration of ratepayer subsidies.

Purchasing attributes: The article explains that Meta has purchased Clinton’s power production for its data centers to offset fossil fuel usage (that currently power its centers) by 2030.

This year, the company is spending as much as $65 billion on AI infrastructure because of the Trump administration’s announced support for nuclear power.

Options: Meta and Constellation are working together to consider different reactor sizes and designs for possible nuclear expansion at the Clinton site. “Meta has plenty of options because, at the end of March, the company had $70.2 billion in cash and marketable securities on hand,” according to the article.

Tags:
aiclinton nuclear plantconstellation energydata centersenergy costsillinoismetasubsidies
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