Constellation Energy signed a nuclear power purchase agreement with Walmart to supply electricity for AI datacenters, marking the first major PPA between a nuclear utility and hyperscaler for AI infrastructure.

Walmart and Constellation Energy announced a historic power supply agreement on Tuesday. The two companies have signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) for Constellation to supply approximately 176 megawatts of electricity generated by the Dresden Clean Energy Center, one of six nuclear power plants operated by Constellation in Illinois. The electricity will power Walmart's perishable distribution center in Belvidere, Illinois, which is currently under development.

Nuclear PPAs consist of three components: the energy produced, environmental attributes (emission-free energy certificates or zero-emission credits for clean energy), and capacity—a reservation fee that locks down a portion of the power plant's output.

The deal is structured as two staggered 15-year terms, with the first beginning in 2029 and the second starting in 2030. While both companies have long operated in Illinois, this agreement marks their first partnership centered on nuclear energy and represents Walmart's inaugural nuclear power purchase agreement.

Neither Walmart nor Constellation disclosed the financial terms of the deal, which is standard practice for PPAs. The agreement will not commence until 2029.

Walmart's senior vice president of energy, Shayne Wahlmeier, commented on the arrangement, stating: "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 further noted that the retailer is "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."

For Walmart, the arrangement provides a reliable, long-term source of clean energy at competitive rates that supports the company's cost structure and long-term expansion. For Constellation, the deal secures a major client while demonstrating market demand for nuclear power beyond the data center sector. The ultra-reliable revenue stream will support Constellation's planned expansion of Dresden's capacity while leveraging its position as the operator of the largest nuclear fleet in the United States.