Clinton, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Social media giant Meta will soon start buying energy generated from the nuclear power plant in Clinton.

Constellation Energy says it’s signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with Meta that will start in 2027, utilizing the Clinton Clean Energy Center.

Constellation says that will help keep the Clinton plant in operation, after a state zero emissions credit program expired.  They say 1,100 jobs will be retained, delivering more than $13 million in annual tax revenue, and more than $1 million in charitable giving.

“Securing clean, reliable energy is necessary to continue advancing our AI ambitions,” said Urvi Parekh, Head of Global Energy at Meta, in a news release. “We are proud to help keep the Clinton plant operating for years to come and demonstrate that this plant is an important piece to strengthening American leadership in energy.”

Constellation claims the Clinton plant can generate “enough carbon-free electricity to power over 800,000 homes,” and shuttering it would raise emissions by the equivalent of putting 7.4 million gas-powered cars on the road.  They claim the same report believes Illinois’ GDP would drop by $765 million annually, should Clinton close.