Dresden Clean Energy Center cooling towers under overcast sky, Walmart partnership sign.
Walmart is venturing into nuclear energy for the first time, signing a significant power purchase agreement with Constellation. This landmark deal will supply the retail giant with approximately 176 megawatts of emissions-free electricity from Constellation’s Dresden Clean Energy Center in Illinois.
The agreement, announced on June 23, includes two 15-year terms commencing in 2029 and 2030, and notably provides 30 megawatts of expanded generating capacity. This strategic move is set to power Walmart’s new high-tech perishable distribution center in Belvidere, Illinois, a project initially announced in 2023. The deal also supports upgrades at the Dresden facility, enhancing its output without the need for new construction.
This marks a pioneering moment, being among the first nuclear power purchase agreements of its kind between a major U.S. retailer and a nuclear energy provider. Walmart, a significant employer in Illinois with over 55,000 associates and more than 175 stores and clubs, views this as a crucial step in its overarching energy strategy.
Shayne Wahlmeier, senior vice president of energy at Walmart US, stated, “Working with Constellation allows us to support new operations in Illinois while advancing our strategy in a way that prioritizes affordable, reliable, and clean energy for our business and the communities we serve.” He added, “We’re constantly evaluating new capabilities and energy solutions that help ensure the electricity we rely on is dependable, responsibly produced, and built to support long-term growth.”
The demand for nuclear power from corporations has seen a notable increase recently, largely driven by the energy needs of data centers and artificial intelligence operations, particularly within the tech sector. Meta, for instance, has previously announced long-term agreements for nuclear power and is actively involved in developing new nuclear projects.
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