Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant to Restart Operations in $16 Billion Deal with Microsoft

The former Three Mile Island nuclear plant, site of America's gravest nuclear incident, is set to resume operations. Constellation Energy announced a 20-year agreement with Microsoft to supply power from the refurbished Unit 1 reactor. This move aligns with Microsoft's aim to enhance its carbon-neutral energy strategy for data centers. The revival, awaiting regulatory approval, promises to unveil 837-megawatt carbon-free electricity output by 2028.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The revival of the Three Mile Island plant is anticipated to create 3,400 direct and indirect jobs, inject $16 billion into Pennsylvania's GDP, and generate over $3 billion in state and federal taxes. It will also provide enough electricity to power over 800,000 average homes.

Infrastructure Upgrades and Future Plans

Substantial investments will be directed toward enhancing the reactor's infrastructure, including upgrades to its turbine, generator, cooling and control systems, and main power transformer. The facility will be rebranded as the Crane Clean Energy Center, honoring former CEO Chris Crane's legacy.