AsianFin -- Meta Platforms announced Tuesday that it has signed an agreement with Constellation Energy (CEG) to support the continued operation of a nuclear reactor in Illinois for the next 20 years—marking the tech giant’s first-ever direct partnership with a nuclear power plant.

As artificial intelligence and data centers drive a sharp rise in electricity demand—the first significant uptick in the U.S. in over two decades—Big Tech companies are scrambling to secure long-term, low-carbon power sources. Nuclear energy, with its stable output and zero carbon emissions, is emerging as a key part of that strategy.

The Clinton Clean Energy Center, the Constellation-owned reactor at the heart of the deal, currently benefits from Illinois’ zero-emissions credit (ZEC) program, which supports nuclear generation with ratepayer-funded subsidies.

That program is set to expire in 2027. Meta’s power purchase agreement will kick in thereafter, providing financial backing to aid in re-licensing and continued operations of the plant. While the financial terms were not disclosed, the agreement offers a new model for corporate support of existing nuclear infrastructure.