Walmart and Constellation have announced a long-term nuclear power purchase agreement for emissions-free electricity from Constellation’s Dresden Clean Energy Center in Illinois.
The agreement includes about 176 MW of wholesale supply, including 30 MW of expanded generating capacity, and marks Walmart’s first nuclear PPA – among the first of its kind between a large retailer and a nuclear energy facility in the U.S.
Walmart will purchase energy, environmental attributes and capacity through two 15‑year terms beginning in 2029-30. The agreement supports reliable nuclear energy in the region and enables planned uprates – efficiency upgrades that increase output from existing nuclear units without the need to build a new facility. Constellation expects the agreement to help Walmart access cleaner energy and strengthen local energy infrastructure while continuing to serve customers with everyday low prices.
“This agreement reflects long‑term stewardship of critical infrastructure, the communities it serves, and the energy system that powers American growth,” said Jim McHugh, senior executive VP and chief commercial officer at Constellation.
“Walmart’s commitment enables meaningful investment in the Dresden Clean Energy Center — bolstering reliability, sustaining local jobs and economic activity, and putting more dependable, emissions-free energy onto the Illinois power grid.”
Through uprates at the Dresden Clean Energy Center, the agreement will provide enough new power to the grid to support Walmart’s high‑tech perishable distribution center in development in Belvidere, Illinois. The investments together strengthen the local community by supporting jobs and enabling continued expansion of Walmart’s supply chain operations and workforce.
“Walmart has a long history of investing in energy solutions that support our business and the communities where we operate, and this agreement builds on that work,” said Shayne Wahlmeier, SVP of energy at Walmart U.S.
“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.”
Licensed to operate through 2049-51, the Dresden Clean Energy Center provides baseload, reliable carbon‑free electricity for the region and supports more than 1,100 family‑sustaining jobs. Constellation’s generation footprint in Illinois produces enough energy to power more than eight million homes, while Walmart’s retail operations total about 175 stores and clubs with more than 55,000 associates in the state.