As data centers seek more power, Constellation launches nuclear plant upgrades to meet rising demand
Constellation is investing $800 million to upgrade its nuclear power plants in Illinois, specifically Braidwood and Byron, to meet rising electricity demand driven by data centers. This initiative aligns with recent state government actions, including lifting a moratorium on new nuclear plant construction and executive orders to accelerate nuclear generation. Other utilities and environmental groups weigh in on the state's energy strategy, emphasizing grid reliability and the role of both nuclear and renewable sources.
Constellation, the largest clean energy producer in the U.S., is investing $800 million to increase output at its two largest nuclear plants in Illinois, Braidwood in Will County and Byron, near Rockford. These upgrades, or "uprates," will add a combined 158 megawatts to the grid by 2029, enough to power approximately 100,000 homes annually. Dwayne Pickett, Constellation's vice president of government affairs, highlighted that the rising electricity demand from data centers has created an opportunity to invest in and revitalize nuclear power in the state.
Illinois is actively addressing grid reliability concerns and working towards ambitious clean energy goals, including achieving zero carbon emissions by 2050. While Constellation emphasizes the 24/7 reliability of nuclear power, other utilities like Ameren and ComEd caution that increasing nuclear power alone won't solve the state's looming energy challenges. Environmental policy groups, such as the Illinois Environmental Council led by Jen Walling, advocate for renewable energy as a faster and cheaper solution, though they have supported state nuclear investments that also incorporate renewable energy measures.
Recent state actions signal a significant shift towards supporting nuclear energy. In January, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the Clean and Reliable Grid Act, which lifted a decades-old moratorium on building new large-scale nuclear plants in Illinois. A month later, he signed an executive order to accelerate new nuclear generation, aiming to add at least 2 gigawatts by 2033. These policies are seen as stabilizing the industry and signaling that Illinois is