Meta Banks on Nuclear Power to Fuel AI Boom
Meta has inked a 20-year deal with Constellation Energy to tap into nuclear power, reflecting a growing shift among tech giants toward nuclear energy to sustain AI-driven expansion.
Under the agreement, Constellation will boost output at its Clinton Clean Energy Center in Illinois by 30 megawatts, ensuring a steady power supply for Meta’s data centers while preserving 1,100 jobs and contributing $13.5 million annually in local tax revenue.
The Clinton plant, once on the brink of closure due to financial hurdles, was saved by an Illinois program offering zero-emission credits—set to expire in 2027. Meta’s long-term commitment kicks in just as public support winds down.
“Reliable, clean energy is crucial to advancing our AI ambitions,” said Urvi Parekh, Meta’s head of global energy.
This move underscores a broader industry trend. Constellation is also working to revive Pennsylvania’s dormant Three Mile Island reactor to supply power to Microsoft. Meanwhile, Amazon and Google have invested in small modular reactors, with Google recently backing three advanced nuclear projects with Elementl Power.
As AI surges, tech firms face mounting energy demands while navigating climate pledges. Nuclear energy is gaining momentum as a zero-carbon alternative, though challenges remain—no next-gen commercial reactors are yet operational in the U.S., and recent large-scale builds have run billions over budget.
Alongside nuclear, companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google continue investing in renewables, balancing AI’s energy hunger with sustainability goals.
