Three Mile Island Reactor Restart: Powering the Future of Data Centers

In a surprising turn of events, Three Mile Island, known for its historic 1979 nuclear incident, is on the brink of a revival under the direction of Constellation Energy and Microsoft. Plans to restart Unit 1, not involved in the original mishap, aim to address growing energy demands. This revival, rebranding the site as the Crane Clean Energy Center, emphasizes modern partnerships with tech giants like Microsoft, eager for carbon-free energy to power data centers and AI initiatives. As Unit 1 prepares for a 2028 relaunch, it's poised to deliver 800 megawatts of clean energy and significantly boost Pennsylvania's economy. However, this venture is laden with regulatory challenges, such as obtaining approvals from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and extending operating licenses. This initiative is part of a broader movement to re-evaluate nuclear power's potential in combating climate change, led by the Biden administration. While Constellation assures local ratepayers won't bear the restart costs, skepticism among local activists persists. This effort portrays a merger of legacy infrastructure with modern tech needs, hinting at future innovations in clean energy. For more insights on this transformative project, read the full article.