Grundy Reporter

A recent power purchase agreement between Meta and Constellation for energy from the Clinton Clean Energy Center is being highlighted by State Senator Sue Rezin as a reason to lift Illinois' ban on new, large-scale nuclear reactors. The 20-year deal underscores the demand for reliable, carbon-free nuclear energy in Illinois, according to Rezin.

“This long-term agreement between Constellation and Meta is proof of what we’ve been saying all along. There is a strong and growing demand for reliable, carbon-free nuclear energy in Illinois,” said Senator Rezin. “These types of market-based partnerships can help support existing facilities and even fund next-generation reactors, but we can’t fully meet that demand or prepare for the future while Illinois still clings to a decades-old ban on new nuclear construction.”

The agreement will keep the Clinton nuclear plant operational beyond 2027 when state subsidies under the Zero Emission Credit (ZEC) program are set to expire. Meta’s investment secures operations for another two decades, preserving over 1,000 jobs and supporting local tax revenues with plans for a 30-megawatt uprate.

Senator Rezin has been an advocate for nuclear energy and played a role in lifting the state's ban on small modular reactors (SMRs) in 2023. She is now advocating for ending the broader moratorium on large-scale nuclear construction that has been in place since 1987.

“With companies like Meta seeking stable, around-the-clock energy to power everything from data centers to AI operations, Illinois has a unique opportunity to lead the next chapter of nuclear innovation,” continued Senator Rezin. “If Illinois doesn’t modernize its laws and lift the moratorium on large-scale reactors, we risk losing private investment and future energy leadership to other states.”

The agreement also explores developing an advanced reactor or SMR at Clinton, enabled by policies supported by Senator Rezin. However, she emphasizes that legislation must be passed to fully end the moratorium and secure future projects within Illinois.