Constellation signs 20-year PPA with Meta for nuclear energy in Illinois

Constellation and Meta have signed a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) to utilise the output from the Clinton Clean Energy Center in the US state of Illinois.

The agreement supports Meta’s clean energy objectives and regional operations by providing 1,121MW (1.12GW) of emissions-free nuclear energy.

From June 2027, the agreement backs the relicensing and ongoing operation of Constellation’s Clinton nuclear facility for an additional 20 years following the conclusion of the state’s ratepayer-funded zero emission credit (ZEC) programme.

The agreement will enhance Clinton’s clean energy production by 30MW through plant upgrades, safeguard 1,100 local jobs, generate $13.5m in annual tax revenue, and contribute $1m in donations to local nonprofits over five years.

Constellation CEO and president Joe Dominguez stated: “We are proud to partner with Meta because they asked that important question, and even better, they figured out that supporting the relicensing and expansion of existing plants is just as impactful as finding new sources of energy. Sometimes the most important part of our journey forward is to stop taking steps backwards.”

The Clinton Clean Energy Center faced the threat of early closure in 2017 due to ongoing financial difficulties.

Its shutdown was averted by the Future Energy Jobs Act, which introduced a Zero Emission Credit (ZEC) programme to provide financial assistance to the plant until mid-2027.

Constellation’s agreement with Meta has now introduced a market-based solution that replaces the ZEC programme, ensuring the plant’s long-term operation without relying on ratepayer support.

This PPA allows the Clinton Clean Energy Center to continue supplying power to the local grid, thereby maintaining grid reliability and offering affordable energy to the region for years to come.

Meta’s purchase of the plant’s clean energy attributes aligns with the tech company’s goal to match 100% of its electricity consumption with renewable energy sources.

Meta head of global energy Urvi Parekh stated: “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.”

Clinton Clean Energy Center produces 1,092MW (1.092GW) electricity and powers more than 800,000 homes.

The partnership with Meta will enable Constellation to introduce additional clean and reliable energy to the grid within the Midcontinent Independent System Operator’s (MISO) zone four area, which encompasses central and southern Illinois. Constellation is considering strategies to either extend the current early site permit or apply for a new construction permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. This would allow it to seek the development of an advanced nuclear reactor or a small modular reactor at the Clinton Clean Energy Center site.