Meta involvement in Clinton nuclear plant sparks debate over IL energy
future
[June 18, 2025]
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributor
(The Center Square) – A new deal between Meta and the Clinton nuclear
plant is sparking debate over Illinois’ energy future.
State Rep. Brad Halbrook, R-Shelbyville, confirmed that Meta has signed
a deal to buy the clean energy credits, not the power, from the Clinton
nuclear plant run by Constellation Energy, helping boost its economic,
social and governance profile on paper.
“My understanding from Constellation is that DeKalb [data center] is not
using any of the Clinton power that's being generated out of Clinton.
This was just a paperwork move to bolster their clean or renewable
attributes on their paper, it's a balance thing, right? It's a balance
sheet thing, a balance equation,” said Halbrook.
Halbrook said that Illinoisans aren't losing electricity in this deal,
Meta is only buying credit for clean energy, not the power itself. When
state subsidies for the Clinton plant expire in 2027, Meta will take
over that cost, easing the burden on ratepayers.
“Meta will pick up where [the Future Energy Jobs Act] ratepayer subsidy
sunsets in 2027 and carry that forward,” Halbrook said. “That’s a good
thing for ratepayers. But there are still a lot of questions that need
answering.”
The agreement reignites debate over Illinois’ long-standing moratorium
on new nuclear power plant construction, as well as limitations placed
on natural gas generation under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act
passed in 2021.
“Republicans would like to see a clean bill to lift the moratorium on
nuclear construction. And we would like to see that natural gas
electrical generation caps as a part of 2021 CEJA be revisited,” said
Halbrook.
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Officials from Illinois state and local government and from Meta
during an opening ceremony of a new data center in DeKalb. Office of
the Illinois Governor
Halbrook welcomed reports that the Clinton plant will increase its
capacity by 30 megawatts as part of the deal. He voiced concern over
possible unintended consequences for Illinois residents.
“We just want to make sure that consumers are protected, that the
energy stays on, that the flow continues, that the grid is not in
jeopardy, and that costs don't go up due to unforeseen
circumstances,” said Halbrook.
As Illinois sees a rise in energy-hungry developments like data
centers, Halbrook warned that a narrow focus on wind and solar could
backfire. During spring legislative session, Halbrook said
legislators attempted to approve a bill that had clean and renewable
energy mandates for data centers.
“I think Meta is just reading the tea leaves and trying to get their
paperwork right,” said Halbrook. “I think that [mandating wind and
solar] paints them [data centers] into a very tight corner, that
will hinder development.”
The long-term power purchase agreement will allow Constellation to
relicense the plant and continue operating for an additional 20
years, after subsidies that kept it viable expire in 2027.
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