Meta turns to nuclear power to fuel AI growth

Meta is turning to nuclear power to meet its rising energy needs for artificial intelligence and computing.

The company signed a 20-year deal with Constellation Energy to increase output at the Clinton Clean Energy Center nuclear plant in Illinois.

The expansion will add 30 megawatts of clean energy, enough to power a city of about 30,000 people for a year. It will also preserve 1,100 jobs and bring in $13.5 million in annual tax revenue. The plant had been saved from closure by a state program supporting zero-emission energy.

Meta’s global energy head, Urvi Parekh, said reliable clean energy is essential to push forward AI development. Other tech giants are also investing in nuclear power — Microsoft plans to restart the Three Mile Island plant for its data centers, while Amazon and Google are funding advanced nuclear projects.

Tech companies face growing energy demands from AI and data centers but also want to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Nuclear power, along with solar and wind, plays a key role in their clean energy plans.

Experts warn the US needs to invest more in its power grid to handle increased electricity from these sources. Meta’s deal starts in 2027, ensuring long-term clean power as Illinois’ zero-emission credit program ends.

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