MORRIS, ILLINOIS, July 1 (Our Illinois Times) — Walmart and Constellation said they have signed a long-term nuclear power agreement in Illinois that will supply about 176 megawatts of emissions-free electricity from the Dresden Clean Energy Center, including 30 megawatts of added output from planned uprates.
The companies said Walmart will buy the energy, environmental attributes and capacity under two 15-year terms, with deliveries set to begin in 2029 and 2030. Walmart described the transaction as its first nuclear power purchase agreement and said it is among the first such deals between a major retailer and a U.S. nuclear plant.
The agreement is meant to support upgrades at Dresden that increase output from the existing reactors without building a new facility. Walmart said the power will also help support its previously announced high-tech perishable distribution center in Belvidere, Illinois, which is still in development.
Constellation said Dresden is licensed to operate through 2049 and 2051 and that the plant supports more than 1,100 jobs.
