Private sector interest in nuclear energy is surging, yet Illinois continues to restrict the construction of large-scale reactors, placing it among just 12 states with such limitations. A recent 20-year agreement between Meta and Constellation to sustain operations at the Clinton Clean Energy Center in DeWitt County highlights growing corporate confidence in nuclear power. This partnership is projected to preserve 1,100 well-compensated positions, contribute $13.5 million annually in tax receipts, and deliver 30 megawatts of emissions-free electricity, underscoring the economic and environmental advantages of nuclear infrastructure. States like New York are capitalizing on this momentum by launching new facilities that promise substantial job creation and revenue generation. n nIllinois already leads the nation in nuclear energy reliance, with six plants and 11 reactors supplying 54% of its electricity. Despite this, a nearly four-decade prohibition remains on constructing large-scale nuclear facilities. While partial reforms in 2023 allowed small modular reactors under 300 megawatts, these technologies are not yet commercially viable in the state. The ban still blocks deployment of proven, grid-scale reactors that have demonstrated significant economic impact. n nFor instance, the Byron Clean Energy Center, located 20 miles southeast of Rockford, generates enough clean power for 1.7 million households. It directly employs 693 individuals, supports over 5,100 additional jobs, and contributes $35.1 million in annual property taxes. Across the state, nuclear facilities add $9 billion to the economy each year and support Illinois’ goal of achieving full carbon neutrality by 2050. n nGrowing demand from tech giants further strengthens the case for expansion. Companies including Google, Amazon, and Microsoft have invested heavily in nuclear projects to fuel advancements in artificial intelligence and data processing. With Illinois ranking among the top 10 states for tech employment, removing barriers to reactor development could attract significant private capital. Public sentiment also favors nuclear energy—55% of U.S. adults now support its use for electricity, according to a recent Gallup poll, the highest level in over ten years. n nOther states have already acted. Four, including neighboring Wisconsin and Kentucky, have fully lifted their nuclear construction bans in the past decade. By repealing its moratorium, Illinois can accelerate economic growth, secure high-wage employment, and reinforce its position as a leader in clean energy innovation. n— news from Illinois Policy
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Nuclear energy gives Illinois economic power, if it will allow new plants
A slew of private investments in nuclear energy signals opportunity, yet Illinois remains one of only 12 states that limits production. The state needs to lift its ban on new reactors. n nA 20-year deal between Meta and Constellation to support continued operation of the Clinton Clean Energy Center in Dewitt County shows a renewal in support for nuclear energy, but Illinois is one of 12 states restricting new large-scale reactors. n nThe deal is expected to retain 1,100 high-paying jobs, generate $13.5 million in annual tax revenue and produce 30 megawatts of carbon-free electricity each year, showcasing the increasing value of nuclear reactors. States such as New York are seizing the opportunity by building new nuclear plants to generate billions in revenue and create thousands of jobs. n nFor Illinois, already a nuclear powerhouse, lifting its ban on new reactors marks a clear opportunity to further unlock economic benefits. Those include high-paying jobs, new private investment, millions in tax revenue and support for its clean energy ambitions. n nIllinois is already the most nuclear dependent state, despite bans. n nIllinois capitalizes on nuclear energy more than any other state, with six nuclear power plants and 11 reactors generating 54% of the state’s electricity. Despite its reliance, Illinois maintains a nearly 40-year moratorium on building large-scale nuclear power plants. n nWhile Illinois removed some of its nuclear power restrictions in 2023, the move only lifted limits on new reactors generating under 300 megawatts called “small modular reactors.” Small modular reactor technology remains experimental with no commercial deployments planned in Illinois. Illinois still bans new construction of large-scale, grid-connected reactors, which are the only ones with proven economic impact. n nFor example, the Byron Clean Energy Center, a two-reactor plant 20 miles southeast of Rockford, produces enough carbon-free electricity to power 1.7 million homes. The plant employs 693 employees, supports an extra 5,100 direct and indirect jobs and provides $35.1 million in annual property taxes. n nNuclear plants across Illinois contribute $9 billion to the state’s economy each year while supporting the state’s mission in going completely carbon-free by 2050. n nRenewed interest in nuclear energy provides Illinois economic opportunities n nThe Meta agreement is just one of many recent deals between big tech and the nuclear industry. Companies such as Google, Amazon and Microsoft have invested hundreds of millions in nuclear sites and developments to support advancements in tech and AI. This wave of agreements presents a prime opportunity to attract new private investment to Illinois, a top 10 state for tech employment. n nBusinesses aren’t alone. A new Gallup Poll survey shows 55% of U.S. adults support nuclear power as a way to generate electricity, marking the highest support in over a decade. n nOther states are seeing the opportunity. Four states have fully repealed their nuclear moratoriums during the past decade, including neighbors Wisconsin and Kentucky. n nRepealing its nuclear moratorium can allow Illinois to further invest in large-scale power plants, unlocking economic growth, securing high-paying jobs and cementing the state’s leadership in clean, carbon-free energy.