17. June 2025
Meta Cements Clean Energy Future With Massive Nuclear Power Purchase
Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has signed a 20-year deal to buy nuclear energy from Constellation Energy’s Illinois power plant, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and increase its use of clean energy. The agreement, which will come into effect in 2027, sees Meta purchasing approximately 1.1 gigawatts of power from the site.
The deal is part of Meta’s broader strategy to ensure a reliable and sustainable supply of electricity to power its growing AI infrastructure. As the demand for high-performance computing continues to rise, Meta recognizes the importance of accessing low-carbon energy sources to support its AI growth. The company has been actively pursuing alternative energy solutions, including solar and wind power, but nuclear energy is seen as a critical component of its long-term energy strategy.
The Constellation plant, which was slated for early closure, will now remain operational for an additional two decades due to Meta’s financing. This not only ensures the continuation of a reliable energy source but also supports local employment and economic growth in the region. According to estimates, the deal will provide 1,100 jobs and contribute $13.5 million in tax revenue per year.
Meta’s decision to invest in nuclear energy is part of a larger trend among technology companies to prioritize clean energy sources. Amazon and Google, among others, have signed pledges calling for an increase in nuclear power by 2050. The push for nuclear is driven by the need to support AI data centers’ high-power needs and meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements for sustainable operations.
Google has recently announced its investment in three nuclear energy projects with Elementl Power, while Microsoft has signed a 20-year agreement to purchase nuclear power from Constellation’s Three Mile Island plant. These developments demonstrate the growing interest among tech companies in nuclear energy as a reliable and clean source of electricity.
The significance of Meta’s deal cannot be overstated. As one of the world’s leading technology companies, its commitment to nuclear energy has the potential to drive growth in the industry and support the development of new nuclear capacity. The company’s efforts will also help address concerns around energy security and sustainability, particularly in regions where access to clean energy is limited.
Meta’s RFP for nuclear power projects, which attracted over 50 submissions from a range of companies and organizations, reflects the company’s ambition to accelerate the growth of nuclear energy. The shortlisted projects, which are expected to be announced later this year, will undergo further evaluation before being selected for development.
The success of Meta’s deal will depend on various factors, including the cost-effectiveness of nuclear energy, the efficiency of existing plants, and the pace of new project development. However, as a major player in the tech industry, Meta’s commitment to nuclear energy is likely to drive change and support the growth of this critical sector.
The impact of Meta’s deal will also be felt beyond its own operations, with potential benefits for local communities, economies, and the environment. As the demand for clean energy continues to rise, companies like Meta are playing a crucial role in driving innovation and investment in this area. By prioritizing nuclear energy, they are helping to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
The push for nuclear energy is driven by the need to support AI data centers’ high-power needs and meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements for sustainable operations. With over 50 submissions received under its RFP, Meta is poised to drive growth in the nuclear industry and support the development of new projects.
Amazon and Google have signed pledges calling for an increase in nuclear power by 2050, demonstrating a growing interest among tech companies in nuclear energy as a reliable and clean source of electricity. Microsoft has also signed a 20-year agreement to purchase nuclear power from Constellation’s Three Mile Island plant, further solidifying the trend.
Meta’s deal is part of a larger effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. By prioritizing nuclear energy, companies like Meta are taking steps towards a more sustainable future. The company’s commitment to this initiative will help drive innovation and investment in clean energy solutions.
The success of Meta’s deal will also depend on the regulatory framework supporting its growth. Governments and policymakers must create an environment that encourages investment in nuclear energy while addressing concerns around safety, security, and waste management. By striking a balance between these competing interests, governments can support the development of new nuclear capacity and drive growth in the industry.
Meta’s decision to invest in nuclear energy is a significant step towards achieving its sustainability goals. As one of the world’s leading technology companies, Meta has a responsibility to lead by example and promote sustainable practices throughout the tech industry. By prioritizing clean energy sources like nuclear energy, Meta is helping to create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
The growth of nuclear energy in the tech industry will also have implications for the global energy landscape. As demand for clean energy continues to rise, companies like Meta are playing a crucial role in driving innovation and investment in this area. By prioritizing nuclear energy, they are helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote sustainable practices.
In order to achieve its sustainability goals, the tech industry must prioritize clean energy sources like nuclear energy. This requires a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices throughout the supply chain. By working together, companies can drive innovation and investment in clean energy solutions, creating a more sustainable future for generations to come.
The push for nuclear energy is driven by the need to support AI data centers’ high-power needs and meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements for sustainable operations. With Meta’s commitment to nuclear energy, it is clear that companies are taking steps towards a more sustainable future. The success of this initiative will depend on various factors, including the cost-effectiveness of nuclear energy, the efficiency of existing plants, and the pace of new project development.
However, as a major player in the tech industry, Meta’s commitment to nuclear energy is likely to drive change and support the growth of this critical sector. The impact of this deal will be felt far beyond Meta’s own operations, contributing to a more sustainable future for all.