Meta Invests in Nuclear Power for AI and Data Centers

Published Date : 07/06/2025 

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has signed a 20-year deal with Constellation Energy to keep a nuclear plant in Illinois operational, providing clean energy for its AI and data centers. 

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is the latest tech giant to turn to nuclear energy to power its artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and other computing needs. As part of a 20-year deal with Constellation Energy, Meta will help keep a nuclear plant in Illinois running, which was on the brink of closing down.

According to a report by the Associated Press, the deal will take effect in June 2027. Constellation’s Clinton Clean Energy Center was initially scheduled to close in 2017 but remained open due to Illinois’ zero-emission credit program, which will support the plant until 2027. Meta’s investment will reportedly expand Clinton’s clean energy output by 30 megawatts, enough to power a city of 30,000 residents for a year, according to George Gross, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Illinois.

Investments in small nuclear reactors are becoming a growing trend among major tech companies. These companies face significant demands, including increasing the energy supply for AI and data centers and meeting their long-term goals of cutting greenhouse gas emissions. For example, an agreement between Constellation and Microsoft aims to restart the Three Mile Island nuclear reactor.

“Securing clean, reliable energy is necessary to continue advancing our AI ambitions,” said Urvi Parekh, Head of Global Energy at Meta. “We are proud to help keep the Clinton plant operating for years to come and demonstrate that this plant is an important piece to strengthening American leadership in energy.”

Advancing AI capabilities requires immense energy efforts, and tech companies are increasingly looking to rely on clean energy. This is why you have seen and will continue to see investments similar to Meta’s agreement with Constellation Energy.

“As we look toward our future energy needs in advancing AI, we recognize the immense value of nuclear power in providing reliable, firm electricity, and the role nuclear projects can have in supporting local economies and strengthening America’s energy leadership,” Meta’s press release stated. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the main goal of Meta's investment in nuclear energy?

A: The main goal of Meta's investment in nuclear energy is to secure a reliable and clean energy source to power its AI and data centers, while also supporting the local economy and strengthening American leadership in energy.

Q: Which nuclear plant is involved in Meta's deal with Constellation Energy?

A: The nuclear plant involved in Meta's deal with Constellation Energy is the Clinton Clean Energy Center in Illinois.

Q: How much additional clean energy will Meta's investment provide?

A: Meta's investment will expand the clean energy output of the Clinton plant by 30 megawatts, enough to power a city of 30,000 residents for a year.

Q: Why are tech companies investing in nuclear energy?

A: Tech companies are investing in nuclear energy to meet the increasing energy demands of AI and data centers while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring a reliable energy supply.

Q: What other tech company has made a similar investment in nuclear energy?

A: Microsoft has also made a similar investment in nuclear energy, with an agreement to restart the Three Mile Island nuclear reactor. 

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