Three Mile Island, site of the 1979 partial nuclear meltdown, is set to reopen under a $16 billion deal between Constellation Energy and Microsoft. The revived plant, now called the Crane Clean Energy Center, will power Microsoft’s AI data centers with 835 megawatts of carbon-free electricity.
State officials, including Gov. Josh Shapiro, and energy executives celebrated the reopening Wednesday. Shapiro called it a win for Pennsylvania’s economy and energy leadership. The project is expected to create at least 650 permanent jobs, with hundreds more during recommissioning.
The deal aligns with Shapiro’s “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, which includes nuclear, natural gas, and renewables. He noted that nuclear power already supplies nearly one-third of Pennsylvania’s electricity.
Constellation CEO Joe Dominguez acknowledged the 2019 closure was a mistake, but said demand driven by AI makes nuclear vital again. Microsoft VP Bobby Hollis said the project offers “a once-in-a-lifetime” chance to meet surging power needs.
PJM Interconnection officials cited record energy demand this summer and stressed nuclear’s key role in meeting both consumer and national security needs.
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