Constellation Energy Group (Nasdaq: CEG) and Meta have formalized a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for 1,121 megawatts of emissions-free nuclear energy from the Clinton Clean Energy Center in Illinois. The announcement sparked a strong market reaction, with Constellation’s stock reaching an intraday high of $342.00 today, representing a gain of over 9% from the previous day’s close. This surge reflects investor confidence in the long-term value of the deal and Constellation’s role in the clean energy transition.
Beginning in June 2027, the agreement will support Meta’s clean energy ambitions and ensure the continued operation and relicensing of the Clinton nuclear facility for two more decades, beyond the expiration of Illinois’ zero emission credit (ZEC) program. The stock’s robust intraday performance underscores the market’s positive outlook on Constellation’s growth prospects tied to this landmark partnership.
The agreement is a strategic move for both companies. For Meta, it marks the first time the tech giant has entered into a long-term contract with a nuclear power plant, reflecting its commitment to sourcing 100% clean electricity to meet the soaring energy demands of its data centers, especially as artificial intelligence infrastructure expands. For Constellation, the deal guarantees a stable revenue stream that enables the company to invest in the plant’s upgrades and relicensing efforts, preserving a critical source of carbon-free power in the region.
The Clinton Clean Energy Center will see a 30-megawatt increase in capacity through plant uprates, boosting its clean energy output and operational efficiency. This enhancement will help preserve approximately 1,100 well-paying local jobs, deliver $13.5 million in annual tax revenue, and contribute $1 million in charitable donations to local nonprofits over five years, reinforcing the plant’s economic and social impact on the community.
Joe Dominguez, president and CEO of Constellation, emphasized the importance of maintaining existing nuclear assets. He pointed out that the closure of valuable plants like the Crane Clean Energy Center in the past led to job losses, reduced tax revenue, increased pollution, and higher energy costs for communities. Dominguez praised Meta’s role in recognizing that supporting the relicensing and expansion of existing nuclear plants is as crucial as developing new energy sources, stating, “Sometimes the most important part of our journey forward is to stop taking steps backwards.”
Constellation is the nation’s largest producer of emissions-free energy, with a portfolio that includes nuclear, hydroelectric, wind, and solar power. Its nuclear fleet alone generates about 10% of the United States’ clean energy, powering the equivalent of 16 million homes. The company plans to invest billions of dollars to increase generation capacity by up to 1,000 megawatts across its plants and to relicense its fleet into the 2070s, supporting over 11,000 family-sustaining jobs for at least two decades.
The partnership aligns with broader national energy policies aimed at revitalizing the U.S. nuclear sector. Recent executive orders from the federal government focus on fast-tracking nuclear plant licensing, boosting domestic uranium mining and enrichment, and accelerating the deployment of advanced reactors. Constellation has expressed support for these initiatives, underscoring nuclear energy’s role in powering the economy, maintaining energy security, and competing globally in emerging technologies like AI.
While the electricity from Clinton will continue to feed into the regional Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) grid rather than being directly supplied to Meta’s facilities, the contract ensures that Meta’s energy consumption is matched by clean nuclear generation. This approach reflects a growing trend among technology companies to secure clean energy through long-term agreements that support existing zero-carbon infrastructure while exploring new renewable and advanced nuclear technologies.
The Meta-Constellation agreement is a landmark in corporate clean energy procurement and nuclear energy’s role in decarbonization. It secures the future of a vital nuclear plant, supports local economies, and advances the clean energy goals of one of the world’s largest technology companies, while also driving significant positive momentum in Constellation Energy’s stock performance.
