(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.
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.
