MORRIS, ILLINOIS, July 1 (Our Illinois Times) — Walmart and Constellation said they have struck a long-term nuclear power deal in Illinois that will provide about 176 megawatts of emissions-free electricity to the retailer, including 30 megawatts from planned uprates at Constellation’s Dresden Clean Energy Center.
The companies said Walmart will buy the energy, environmental attributes and capacity through two 15-year terms, with deliveries set to begin in 2029 and 2030. Walmart said the contract is its first nuclear power purchase agreement and among the first of its kind between a large retailer and a U.S. nuclear facility.
The added power is intended to help support Walmart’s high-tech perishable distribution center in Belvidere, Illinois, which is still in development, according to the announcement. The deal is also meant to back planned efficiency upgrades at Dresden that would raise output from the existing nuclear units without building a new plant.
Constellation said Dresden is licensed to operate through 2049 and 2051 and supports more than 1,100 jobs.
