CLINTON, Ill. (WCIA) — On Tuesday, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, alongside Constellation Energy, celebrated a pivotal agreement finalized in June to keep Clinton’s Clean Energy Center operational until 2047.

Leaders and team members from both corporations assembled at the Clinton nuclear plant to acknowledge their 20-year collaboration. The plant’s existing contract with the State of Illinois is set to end in 2027.

“Meta, of course, uses electricity from various parts of the U.S. electric grid and ensuring their usage matches with clean energy is crucial to them,” said Constellation Chief Strategy and Growth Officer Kathleen Barrón.

The Meta deal was not the first time Clinton’s plant has been saved; it nearly closed 12 years ago. 

Constellation said the agreement means $13.5 million and more than 500 employees stay put in Clinton.

Crystal Brinkley, the center’s training specialist, expressed optimism, noting, “This is the most positive development I’ve heard in some time. The nuclear industry hasn’t seemed very hopeful until now, so this is fantastic news for our community.”

The deal takes effect in 2027.