Constellation, the largest producer of clean, emissions-free energy in the United States, has secured over $1 billion in contracts from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). Under this agreement, Constellation will deliver clean energy to more than 13 federal agencies and implement energy efficiency measures in five GSA-owned facilities in the National Capital Region.
Joe Dominguez, Constellation President and CEO revealed some crucial aspects of this deal. He said,
“For many decades, Constellation’s nuclear fleet has provided carbon-free, reliable, American-made energy to millions of families and institutions. Frustratingly, however, nuclear energy was excluded from many corporate and government sustainable energy procurements. Not anymore. This agreement is another powerful example of how things have changed. Under this agreement, the United States government joins Microsoft and other entities to support continued investment in reliable nuclear energy that will allow Constellation to relicense and extend the lives of these critical assets. In combination with the Crane restart announced previously, Constellation and its partners will add approximately 1,100 MWs of 24/7 clean energy by 2028, enough energy to power over one million homes.”
Constellation’s New Energy Upgrades to Cut Emissions at Federal Facilities
The company announced that it has signed a 10-year, $840 million contract which is the largest in GSA’s history. Starting in 2025, it will supply over 1 million megawatt hours of power annually. Notably, part of this power will come from the company’s planned investments to enhance plant output.
Additionally, the company also secured a $172 million Energy Savings Performance Contract to improve energy efficiency at five GSA-owned facilities in the National Capital Region. It includes the Elijah Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse, the William B. Bryant Annex, the Orville Wright Federal Building, and the Wilbur Wright Federal Building, all located in Washington, DC. The fifth building, the Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building is in College Park, Maryland.
GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan shared more details on this agreement,
“This historic procurement locks in a cost-competitive, reliable supply of nuclear energy over a 10-year period, accelerating progress toward a carbon-free energy future while protecting taxpayers against future price hikes. We’re demonstrating how the federal government can join major corporate clean energy buyers in spurring new nuclear energy capacity and ensuring a reliable, affordable supply of clean energy for everyone.”
U.S. Nuclear Generation and Generating Capacity
A Sustainable Transformation
Under the contract, Constellation will implement various energy-saving measures to enhance efficiency and lower emissions. These upgrades will include installing advanced LED lighting systems, improving building weatherization, and replacing or enhancing windows. Additionally, new and upgraded heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems will be installed alongside modernized building control equipment.
These facilities are crucial for federal operations and their energy upgrades are vital for a sustainable infrastructure. Most importantly all these upgrades substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cost for federal buildings.
Construction will start this month and will last about 42 months. During this time, Constellation will manage installations, upgrades, and maintenance. Moreover, it will train GSA staff to ensure they can run and maintain the new systems. This training is vital for long-term energy savings and efficiency.
Constellation’s Nuclear Vision: Shaping the U.S. Clean Energy Future
In the U.S., nuclear energy provides about 20% of the country’s total power and 50% of its carbon-free energy. It offers steady, clean power, which keeps the electric grid stable and reliable even in extreme weather. This, in turn, boosts American energy security and independence. Moreover, it creates good jobs that strengthen communities.
Constellation Energy is America’s largest nuclear energy producer. In 2023, its nuclear plants achieved an impressive 94.4% capacity factor. Together with its hydro, wind, and solar facilities, the company powers 16 million homes, supplying 10% of the nation’s clean energy.
On December 17, 2024, the company launched a pilot project in Washington D.C. to allow consumers to power their homes with 100% clean nuclear energy. The program offers nuclear power at 11.99 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is cheaper than the current supply rate from the local utility. By choosing carbon-free nuclear energy, D.C. residents can cut their energy bills while conserving the environment.
Net Zero Commitment
Each year, Constellation’s clean energy operations prevent 125 million metric tons of carbon emissions. That’s the same as removing 29 million gas-powered cars from the road.
All these initiatives point toward a carbon-free future and reducing Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions. The company’s climate goals are further explained in the image below:
Source: Constellation
We can conclude by saying that Constellation’s commitment to advancing clean nuclear energy for federal buildings marks a new era for the U.S. energy landscape.
More Power per Punch: Nuclear Energy Outshines Fossil Fuels
