News Summary
The Crane Clean Energy Center, formerly the Three Mile Island plant, is on track for a potential restart by 2027 with support from state officials and companies like Microsoft. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved key amendments, and significant renovations are underway. This revival is expected to generate thousands of jobs and strengthen the local economy, while addressing concerns over public health and waste management. With rising demand for clean energy, the center aims to play a pivotal role in Pennsylvania’s energy landscape.
Pennsylvania—The Crane Clean Energy Center, formerly known as the Three Mile Island plant, is preparing for a potential restart by 2027, with significant backing from state and private sector officials. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved key licensing amendments for the plant, and PJM has granted approval for an early interconnection request essential for the facility’s revival.
On June 25, 2025, over 400 employees and members of local building trades convened at the Crane Clean Energy Center to hear from Governor Josh Shapiro and executives from Microsoft and Constellation, the parent company overseeing the revitalization of the plant. Governor Shapiro has expressed his support for the plant’s restart, having actively engaged PJM to facilitate the approval process.
Constellation’s President and CEO emphasized the restart as a landmark endeavor for efficient, emissions-free nuclear energy in Pennsylvania. The reopening of the center is expected to generate thousands of jobs and deliver substantial economic benefits to local families and businesses, bolstering the workforce, which currently consists of nearly 400 full-time employees with plans for an additional 58 new hires.
Significant progress has already been made in preparation for the plant’s reopening. Successful inspections have been completed on major systems, including the diesel generator, steam generator, and main generator. Renovations to office facilities and upgrades to the training center and control room simulator are approaching completion. Additionally, new power transformers are set to arrive within the next year, utilizing local skilled labor for installation.
As part of their commitments to the local economy, Constellation has pledged $1 million in community contributions over five years, with about $185,000 already distributed in 2025. Londonderry Township Supervisor has acknowledged the economic uplift tied to the plant’s reactivation, noting the potential for increased local tax revenues and job creation.
The Crane Clean Energy Center’s reopening comes as the demand for clean energy rises, particularly driven by the increasing energy requirements of AI data centers, which are projected to need 84 gigawatts of electricity by 2029. Microsoft has entered into a partnership with Constellation to supply carbon-free energy to its data centers, solidifying the long-term collaboration aimed at improving operational efficiencies and safety through advanced AI technology.
Despite the optimism surrounding the renaissance of nuclear energy in the region, some concerns remain. Activists have raised alarms over public health and safety, emphasizing that strict oversight will be essential for the plant to resume operations safely. The nuclear sector is also grappling with ongoing discussions about waste management and the sustainability of nuclear energy solutions.
Historically, the site holds significant value as it was initially operational for 45 years and operated with a strong record of reliability and safety before its closure in 2019 due to economic reasons. The Crane Clean Energy Center is positioned to become the second decommissioned nuclear plant in the United States to restart, following Michigan’s Palisades Nuclear Plant.
As preparations continue and staffing grows at Crane Clean Energy Center, the implications of this project extend beyond energy production, touching on regional employment standards and community welfare. Local labor allies have championed the boost this project will bring to construction jobs, illustrating its potential impact on the middle-class standard of living.
The momentum gained from the Crane Clean Energy Center’s anticipated reopening signifies more than just a return to service; it reflects a shift toward a more diversified and sustainable energy landscape in Pennsylvania.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Washington Examiner: Three Mile Island Restart
- PennLive: Three Mile Island Accident Photos
- New York Times: Three Mile Island Reopening
- Fox43: History of Three Mile Island and Its Future
- Wikipedia: Nuclear Energy
- Google Search: Three Mile Island
- Google Scholar: Nuclear Energy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nuclear Energy
- Google News: Three Mile Island
