Constellation Unveils $5,800 MW Power and Storage Investment Plan to Drive Maryland’s Clean Energy Future
Constellation (Nasdaq: CEG), the largest producer of carbon-free energy in the United States, has unveiled a sweeping proposal to invest in up to 5,800 megawatts (MW) of new power generation and battery storage projects across Maryland. The plan aims to address the state’s rapidly rising electricity demand, lower long-term utility costs, and accelerate Maryland’s transition toward a clean, reliable, and resilient energy system.
At its core, the initiative provides Maryland leaders with a comprehensive “menu” of energy options—ranging from advanced battery storage and efficient gas-fired plants to life-extension and expansion of nuclear facilities. This diverse portfolio is designed to ensure the state has the tools needed to meet its climate and economic development goals in the most cost-effective and sustainable way.
Addressing Immediate Energy Needs
Constellation formally submitted proposals to the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) on October 31 as part of a new program designed to fast-track permits for large-scale energy projects. The near-term package includes advanced battery storage systems and natural gas generation units that together could add more than 1,500 MW of capacity.
These initiatives alone would cover over 5% of Maryland’s peak energy load and boost overall generation capacity by roughly 10%, representing billions of dollars in private investment in state energy infrastructure.
- Battery Storage Investments: Up to 800 MW of high-efficiency, grid-scale battery systems capable of quickly releasing stored power during high-demand periods. These units would stabilize grid operations during extreme weather conditions and help prevent blackouts.
- Natural Gas Generation Options: More than 700 MW of modular gas-fired units that could be rapidly deployed and later converted to run on carbon-free hydrogen, offering a pathway to emissions reductions. These would be co-located at existing Constellation facilities to optimize land use and infrastructure.
Constellation’s proposal also considers extending the lifespan of 350 MW of existing Maryland plants used during peak demand, ensuring flexible and dependable capacity while newer clean technologies scale up.
A Long-Term Vision for Clean, Reliable Power
Beyond the immediate projects, Constellation is presenting a forward-looking roadmap for up to 4,000 MW of nuclear investments—both upgrades to existing assets and exploration of new, advanced nuclear facilities.
- Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center: Constellation’s proposal includes relicensing Maryland’s only nuclear plant for an additional 20 years. The two-unit facility provides nearly 2,000 MW of clean electricity—enough to power 1.3 million homes. Without relicensing, the units would retire in 2034 and 2036, respectively.
- Efficiency and Uprates: Modernization efforts and new technology could increase Calvert Cliffs’ output by about 10% (190 MW), exceeding the combined capacity of Maryland’s current solar and wind resources.
- New Nuclear Development: Constellation is exploring the potential addition of 2,000 MW of next-generation nuclear units at the Calvert Cliffs site, which would effectively double the plant’s capacity and provide enough carbon-free energy to fuel Maryland’s long-term economic growth.
If fully realized, nearly 70% of Constellation’s proposed investments would come from emissions-free resources, increasing the state’s share of clean energy generation from just over 50% today to about 70% once projects are operational.
Commitment to Innovation and Environmental Stewardship
Constellation’s plan builds on its ongoing commitment to invest in Maryland’s renewable and clean energy assets. The company has already directed more than $1 billion of private capital into the state’s wind, hydro, and nuclear resources, with no increase in electricity rates for customers.
A notable milestone came this past September when Maryland and Constellation reached a historic agreement to extend the life of the Conowingo Dam by 50 years. The deal ensures continued clean hydroelectric generation for hundreds of thousands of homes while dedicating $340 million toward preserving wildlife and the surrounding watershed. Constellation has also invested in extending the lifespan of its wind energy assets by 20 years and is collaborating with customers on the relicensing of Calvert Cliffs to ensure long-term energy security.
“Constellation hopes to be a thought partner as Governor Moore and other policymakers consider the state’s many energy choices,” said Joe Dominguez, President and CEO of Constellation. “We’re presenting options—not mandates—because Maryland’s path forward requires balancing affordability, reliability, and sustainability. Whether it’s natural gas, battery storage, or nuclear energy, we want to provide flexible tools that allow the state to shape its own energy future.”
Dominguez emphasized that all proposed investments would be privately funded—with no rate increases or financial risk transferred to Maryland consumers. “We are not a monopoly seeking guaranteed profits,” he added. “We compete for our opportunities, and we bear 100% of the risk of any cost overruns or delays. That’s how a modern, competitive energy company should operate.”
Leveraging Technology for Smarter Energy Management
In parallel with new infrastructure investments, Constellation is pursuing advanced “demand response” programs to optimize energy use. By partnering with large industrial and commercial customers to reduce consumption during peak hours, the company plans to unlock the equivalent of a 1,000 MW “virtual power plant”—essentially adding the capacity of a nuclear reactor without building one.
This initiative will leverage artificial intelligence and real-time grid analytics to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and support grid reliability across Maryland and the broader PJM Interconnection, which coordinates power supply across 13 states and the District of Columbia.
Strengthening Competitive Markets and Consumer Benefits
Constellation argues that Maryland’s continued participation in the PJM competitive energy market remains essential to keeping costs low for residents and businesses. Under PJM’s structure, private generators compete to supply the lowest-cost electricity, while ratepayers are protected from the risks of construction overruns or stranded assets.
Over the past 15 years, despite fluctuations in fuel and capacity charges, generation costs in PJM states have remained largely flat, demonstrating the value of competition. By contrast, rising utility spending on transmission and distribution infrastructure—where profits are guaranteed—has been the primary driver of higher electricity bills nationwide.
Looking ahead, Constellation is collaborating with technology companies and fellow energy producers on market reforms aimed at accelerating clean energy deployment while maintaining affordability. Proposed reforms include:
- Improving PJM’s electricity demand forecasting methods;
- Expanding demand response participation;
- Facilitating faster integration of new power sources; and
- Streamlining regulatory approvals to reduce project timelines.
Powering Maryland’s Future
Constellation’s 5,800 MW proposal represents one of the most ambitious state-level clean energy initiatives in the nation—combining innovation, private investment, and a commitment to long-term sustainability.
By offering Maryland a flexible portfolio of clean, efficient, and scalable generation options, the company aims to ensure the state remains a national leader in the energy transition—delivering reliable power, cleaner air, and stronger economic growth for decades to come.
As Dominguez concluded, “Maryland is our home. We’re proud to power its families, its industries, and its future—and we’re ready to invest billions more to build a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.”
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