Takeaways

• Walmart has signed its first-ever long-term nuclear power purchase agreement with Constellation Energy.
• The deal will provide about 176 MW of carbon-free electricity from Illinois’ Dresden Clean Energy Center.
• The agreement supports Walmart’s clean energy strategy and long-term net zero emissions goals.

Retail giant Walmart has entered into its first long-term nuclear power purchase agreement, marking a significant step in the company’s clean energy journey. The agreement, signed with Constellation Energy, will provide approximately 176 megawatts (MW) of carbon-free electricity from the Dresden Clean Energy Center in Illinois.

The arrangement consists of two 15-year contracts that will begin in 2029 and 2030. Under the deal, Walmart will purchase electricity, capacity, and environmental attributes associated with the power generated at the nuclear facility.

The energy will support Walmart’s new technology-focused perishable distribution center currently being developed in Belvidere, Illinois. The company said the agreement aligns with its efforts to secure reliable and affordable energy while reducing emissions from its operations.

According to Walmart and Constellation Energy, the agreement will allow the Dresden Clean Energy Center to increase electricity production from its existing nuclear units without building new generation facilities. This is expected to add more emissions-free power to the regional grid while supporting energy reliability.

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The deal is notable because it represents Walmart’s first nuclear power purchase agreement and is among the earliest long-term agreements of its kind between a major U.S. retailer and a nuclear energy provider.

Walmart has established ambitious climate targets, including reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 65% by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions across its operations by 2040. However, the company acknowledged in 2024 that meeting its interim goals could be challenging due to factors beyond its direct control, including limitations in low-carbon refrigeration technologies, transportation solutions, and clean energy infrastructure.

Shayne Wahlmeier, Senior Vice President of Energy at Walmart U.S., said the partnership supports the company’s strategy of securing dependable, responsibly produced power while enabling future growth. He added that Walmart continues to explore innovative energy solutions that can meet both operational and sustainability needs.

Located in Illinois, the Dresden Clean Energy Center is a major source of baseload carbon-free electricity for the region and supports more than 1,100 jobs. The facility received an important boost in late 2025 when Constellation Energy announced extensions to its operating licenses, allowing the plant to continue operating into the middle of the century.

Constellation said Walmart’s commitment will help strengthen the plant’s long-term performance and reliability. The company also noted that the agreement will support continued investment in the facility while contributing additional clean energy to the Illinois power grid.

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As businesses increasingly seek stable sources of clean energy, Walmart’s move highlights the growing role of nuclear power in corporate sustainability strategies and the transition toward a lower-carbon economy.

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Source: ESGtoday