Walmart signs its first-ever nuclear power purchase agreement
Walmart has entered into a power purchase agreement that is among the first of its kind between a large retailer and a nuclear energy facility in the United States.
The retail giant and Baltimore-based Constellation Energy have entered into a long-term nuclear power purchase agreement for emissions-free electricity from Constellation’s Dresden Clean Energy Center in Illinois. The agreement includes approximately 176 MW of wholesale supply, including 30 MW of expanded generating capacity.
Walmart will purchase energy, environmental attributes and capacity through two 15‑year terms beginning in 2029 and 2030. This agreement supports reliable nuclear energy in the region and enables planned uprates — efficiency upgrades that increase output from existing nuclear units without the need to build a new facility. The agreement is expected to help Walmart access cleaner energy and strengthen local energy infrastructure.
Through upgrades at the Dresden Clean Energy Center, the agreement will provide enough new power to the grid to support Walmart’s high-tech perishable distribution center, currently in development in Belvidere, Ill. Together, the investments strengthen the local community by supporting jobs and enabling continued expansion of Walmart’s supply chain operations and workforce, according to the release.
“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,” said Shayne Wahlmeier, senior VP, energy, Walmart US. “We’re 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.”
The agreement follows Constellation’s December 2025 license renewal announcement for Dresden and supports continued investment in Dresden’s long‑term reliability and performance. Constellation and Walmart have both maintained a longstanding presence in Illinois.
“This agreement reflects long‑term stewardship of critical infrastructure, the communities it serves, and the energy system that powers American growth,” said Jim McHugh, senior executive VP and chief commercial officer, Constellation. “Walmart’s commitment enables meaningful investment in the Dresden Clean Energy Center — bolstering reliability, sustaining local jobs and economic activity, and putting more dependable, emissions-free energy onto the Illinois power grid.”
Based in Bentonville, Ark., Walmart Inc. runs 10,900 stores and numerous e-commerce websites in 19 countries.
