- Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island nuclear plant will be reopened by 2028 as part of a deal between Constellation Energy and Microsoft, providing clean energy for Microsoft’s data centers.
- If approved by regulators, the plant will supply carbon-neutral energy to power over 800,000 homes and support Microsoft’s carbon reduction goals.
OUR TAKE
Constellation Energy plans to restart Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island nuclear plant by 2028, in collaboration with Microsoft, to provide clean energy for its data centers. This move aims to support Microsoft’s sustainability goals while revitalisng the plant, which had been shut down in 2019, pending regulatory approval and necessary renovations.
-Rae Li, BTW reporter
What happened
Constellation Energy announced plans to reopen the Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Pennsylvania by 2028, with Microsoft as a key partner. Microsoft has signed a 20-year agreement to purchase power from the plant to supply its energy-hungry data centers, supporting the tech giant’s goal of reducing its carbon footprint. The plant’s TMI Unit 1, which was shut down in 2019 for economic reasons, will be refurbished and renamed the Crane Clean Energy Center, named after a former leader of Constellation’s parent company.
This marks a significant step toward using nuclear energy as a clean, carbon-free power source for tech companies. The move is pending regulatory approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which will require safety and environmental reviews. If approved, the plant will generate enough energy to power over 800,000 homes and boost Pennsylvania’s economy.
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Why it’s important
It highlights a significant shift in energy strategy for both the nuclear industry and major tech companies like Microsoft. As tech companies increasingly seek clean, reliable, and scalable energy solutions to power data centers and support AI development, nuclear energy is becoming a key player in meeting these demands without contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. The decision to reopen Three Mile Island underscores the growing interest in nuclear power as a sustainable solution to climate change, which is critical as industries push to meet ambitious carbon reduction goals.
The reopening of the Three Mile Island plant, the site of the worst nuclear accident in U.S. history, carries symbolic weight and raises questions about the public’s trust in nuclear safety. The plant’s revival, if successful, could reshape public perception of nuclear energy, showing it as a viable and safe option for the future. This decision also promises economic benefits, creating jobs, generating billions in tax revenue, and revitalising Pennsylvania’s position as a leader in the national energy market.
