Walmart Secures 176 MW Nuclear Deal, Acquires Vibe.co Ad Platform
WMT•Walmart secured a 15-year nuclear power purchase agreement for 176 MW of emissions-free electricity (including 30 MW expansion) from Constellation’s Dresden facility across terms starting in 2029–2030 to power its Belvidere, Illinois distribution center. It also agreed to acquire Vibe.co, a self-serve CTV ad platform, to boost Walmart Connect.
1. First Nuclear Power Purchase Agreement
On June 23, Walmart signed a 15-year PPA with Constellation Energy to secure approximately 176 MW of emissions-free electricity—including 30 MW of uprate capacity—from the Dresden Clean Energy Center in Illinois. The agreement spans two 15-year terms starting 2029 and 2030, supporting planned unit uprates and powering Walmart’s under-development perishable distribution center in Belvidere.
2. Vibe.co Acquisition to Expand Retail Media
Walmart agreed to acquire Vibe.co, a self-serve connected TV advertising platform designed for small and mid-market brands, to bolster Walmart Connect’s end-to-end CTV ad solutions. The deal, terms undisclosed, follows the company’s prior investment in CTV with the 2024 Vizio acquisition and aims to unlock additional high-margin ad revenue.
3. California Gas-Price Lawsuit Overview
California motorists filed a proposed class action alleging Walmart and other retailers used Kalibrate’s AI tool to fix gasoline prices, driving pump costs up to 30 cents per gallon. The suit cites Assembly Bill 325 and seeks unspecified damages for overpayments after prices soared above $7 in some markets, posing legal and reputational risks.
