the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood N J, in a groundbreaking move for the tech and energy sectors, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has signed a 20-year agreement with Constellation Energy to purchase nuclear power from its Illinois-based facility, beginning in June 2027. This marks the first-ever long-term nuclear energy deal by a major U.S. tech company.
Powering AI with Clean Energy
As artificial intelligence and cloud computing continue to scale, data centers are consuming vast amounts of electricity—a large portion of which still comes from fossil fuels. By locking in a nuclear power source, Meta is taking a bold step to secure reliable, carbon-free energy to support its expanding digital infrastructure.
Nuclear energy already contributes roughly 19% of electricity in the U.S., but this deal may set a precedent for how Big Tech approaches long-term sustainability.
Deal Details: 1.1 Gigawatts of Clean Power
While financial terms were not disclosed, the agreement will allow Meta to purchase the entire output—about 1.1 gigawatts—of the Illinois plant’s single nuclear reactor. This power won’t go directly to Meta’s facilities but will be supplied to the regional power grid, effectively offsetting Meta’s carbon footprint.
The partnership will also:
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Expand the plant’s clean energy output by 30 megawatts
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Support and preserve 1,100 local jobs
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Generate $13.5 million in annual tax revenue for the surrounding community
Tech Giants Turn to Low-Carbon Energy
Meta is the latest in a wave of tech companies looking to decarbonize their operations. Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have all entered into energy purchase agreements with renewables and now nuclear providers to address the high energy needs of AI training models and cloud computing.
As the demand for sustainable and scalable power grows, Meta’s move is seen as a milestone for nuclear energy adoption in the private sector.
Industry Impact and What’s Next
By entering this long-term nuclear contract, Meta is not only diversifying its energy sources, but also reinforcing nuclear’s role in achieving net-zero emissions goals. Industry experts predict that this model could inspire more corporate investment in stable, carbon-free baseload power sources like nuclear.
This strategic energy decision may help Meta meet its carbon neutrality targets, while also alleviating public concerns about the environmental impact of AI-driven tech expansion.
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