Why Walmart has Signed a Nuclear PPA Agreement

Walmart has signed its first-ever nuclear power purchase agreement (PPA) with energy corporation Constellation. The landmark partnership will allow Walmart to source emissions-free electricity for its ongoing operations in the state of Illinois.

Under two consecutive 15-year terms beginning in 2029 and 2030, Walmart will procure energy, capacity and environmental attributes from Constellation’s Dresden Clean Energy Center in Grundy County, Illinois.

This commitment enables the retail giant to transition to cleaner power sources while complying with regional energy standards.

The agreement covers approximately 176MW of wholesale power, which includes 30MW of newly expanded generation capacity. This will expand capacity will be achieved through planned "uprates", high-efficiency technological upgrades that increase the output of Dresden's existing nuclear units without the capital-intensive and time-consuming hurdles of building a brand-new facility.

This added baseload power will directly support the grid supplying Walmart's upcoming high-tech perishable distribution centre in Belvidere, Illinois, scheduled to open in 2027.

"Walmart has a long history of investing in energy solutions that support our business and the communities where we operate, and this agreement builds on that work," says Shayne Wahlmeier, SVP of Energy at Walmart US.

"Working with Constellation allows us to support new operations in Illinois while advancing our strategy in a way that prioritises affordable, reliable and clean energy for our business and the communities we serve. 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."

De-risking the hedge

The plant is officially licensed to operate through 2049 and 2051. In addition to locking in zero-emissions power, the agreement supports more than 1,100 family-sustaining local jobs at the facility.

This localised regional sourcing aligns with both companies' massive physical presence in the state. While Constellation's Illinois fleet generates enough energy to power eight million homes, Walmart operates roughly 175 stores and clubs employing over 55,000 associates across Illinois.

"This agreement reflects long‑term stewardship of critical infrastructure, the communities it serves, and the energy system that powers American growth," adds Jim McHugh, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Constellation.

"Walmart's commitment enables meaningful investment in the Dresden Clean Energy Centre – bolstering reliability, sustaining local jobs and economic activity and putting more dependable, emissions-free energy onto the Illinois power grid."

Walmart’s entry marks a major shift. By leveraging its massive global footprint of 10,900 stores and US$713bn in 2026 revenue, the retail titan is proving that nuclear baseload power is no longer just a tech play; it is a viable, scale-ready corporate sourcing strategy for physical retail supply chains.

The PPA serves as a key pillar in Walmart's strategy to transition to 100% renewable energy for its facilities by 2035 and reach zero emissions globally by 2040.