Hundreds of community members and labor leaders joined employees from Constellation yesterday at the Clinton Clean Energy Center to welcome Meta and celebrate the landmark agreement that secures the long-term future of the plant and the reliable, clean energy it provides to the Midwest energy grid.
Download Clinton Clean Energy Center Photos and B-Roll
The celebration follows the announcement of a 20-year agreement between Constellation and Meta that supports the continued operation, expansion and relicensing of the Clinton facility following the expiration of the state’s Zero Emission Credit (ZEC) program in May 2027. With the future of the plant secure, Constellation can evaluate opportunities for additional nuclear capacity at the site.
“Now more than ever, it’s critical that we maintain and expand all sources of clean, reliable energy, and thanks to Meta’s investment, the future of the Clinton Clean Energy Center and its contributions to this community are secure,” said Kathleen Barrón, Constellation Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Growth Officer. “With Meta’s support and the backing of state and local leaders, hundreds of jobs, millions of dollars in state and local taxes, and all the economic benefits of Clinton are here to stay, delivering power to the grid for the next two decades, at zero cost to utility customers.”
“Nuclear energy is a vital component of our strategy to support Meta’s AI ambitions. By partnering with Constellation at the Clinton Clean Energy Center, we’re ensuring a stable and reliable power source that bolsters grid resilience and supports thousands of local jobs. This collaboration not only strengthens the grid’s infrastructure but also contributes to the economic vitality of the region and helps bolster American leadership in AI,” said Kevin Janda, director, global data center strategy, Meta.
The Clinton Clean Energy Center’s economic and environmental impacts are significant. The facility directly employs more than 530 people, contributes approximately $13.5 million in annual taxes and generates enough emissions-free electricity to power over 800,000 homes. An analysis by The Brattle Group found that if the plant were to close, emissions would rise by more than 34 million metric tons over 20 years – the equivalent of putting approximately 7.4 million gasoline-powered cars on the road for one year. The same study found that Illinois’ GDP would fall by $765 million annually, with impacts rippling across multiple industries. The agreement with Meta prevents these consequences and secures the plant’s continued contributions to the region.
“This agreement is a victory for union workers, for Clinton, and for the future of clean energy in Illinois,” said Bobby Wedell, Business Manager of IBEW Local 51. “Our members have proudly powered this facility for decades, and thanks to the partnership between Constellation and Meta, we can look ahead with confidence. This deal secures hundreds of good-paying, highly skilled jobs right here in Central Illinois, and reinforces what we’ve always known: nuclear energy and union labor are essential to building a strong, sustainable economy.”
Discover the latest trends and insights—explore the Business Insights Journal for up-to-date strategies and industry breakthroughs!
