The Three Mile Island nuclear plant, known for the most significant nuclear accident in U.S. history, is preparing to restart as Microsoft seeks new energy sources to meet its increasing power demands. The tech company announced a 20-year agreement to purchase energy from the Pennsylvania facility, which is set to reopen in 2028 following upgrades. This partnership is aimed at providing Microsoft with clean energy to power its expanding AI data centers. Regulatory approval is still required for the plan.
Constellation Energy, the plant’s owner, emphasized that the reactor set to resume operations is separate and “fully independent” from the one involved in the 1979 incident, which, despite causing no injuries or fatalities, sparked public fear and hindered nuclear power development in the U.S. for decades. Now, with growing concerns over climate change, nuclear energy is regaining attention as a cleaner alternative. Constellation CEO Joe Dominguez stated that the deal marks the “rebirth of nuclear power” as a sustainable and reliable energy source. He highlighted that before its closure due to economic issues, the plant was one of the safest and most reliable nuclear facilities. He also noted that nuclear power is the only consistent source of abundant carbon-free energy.
Microsoft hailed the agreement as a key step in its efforts to help decarbonize the grid. The plant’s Unit 1, which is slated to reopen, remained operational until 2019, when its previous owner, Exelon, decided to close it due to competition from cheaper natural gas. Constellation, which became an independent company in 2022, plans to invest $1.6 billion in upgrades and aims to extend the plant’s operations until at least 2054. The reopening is expected to create 3,400 jobs and add over 800 megawatts of carbon-free electricity to the grid, generating significant economic benefits, according to a study cited by Constellation.
Local protests have surfaced in response to the plant’s potential revival. Microsoft isn’t the only tech company exploring nuclear energy, as Amazon also signed a nuclear energy deal earlier this year, which is now under regulatory review.
