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Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant Set to Resume Operations in 2027

The Crane Clean Energy Center, previously known as Three Mile Island nuclear plant, preparing for its 2027 reopening.

News Summary

Constellation Energy Corporation has accelerated the reopening of the Three Mile Island nuclear plant to 2027. This decision is influenced by a 20-year power purchase agreement with Microsoft, addressing increased electricity demands from tech giants. The facility will be renamed the Crane Clean Energy Center and is expected to generate 835 megawatts of power, creating approximately 3,400 jobs and potentially increasing Pennsylvania’s GDP by $16 billion. This move reflects a growing reliance on nuclear energy as the U.S. faces rising electricity consumption, especially related to AI and data centers.

Pennsylvania – Constellation Energy Corporation has announced that its Three Mile Island nuclear plant is on track to resume operations in 2027, one year ahead of the previously planned 2028 schedule. The plant, which has been offline since 2019 due to economic constraints, will now be known as the Crane Clean Energy Center following a series of rehabilitation efforts.

The restart of the Three Mile Island Unit 1 reactor is largely influenced by a 20-year power purchase agreement with Microsoft. This partnership aims to satisfy the growing electricity demands of Microsoft’s data centers, which are expanding rapidly to accommodate the increasing needs of artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies.

The impact of this decision extends beyond energy supply. Once operational, the plant is expected to provide approximately 835 megawatts of electricity to the grid and create about 3,400 direct and indirect jobs. Moreover, Pennsylvania’s gross domestic product could see an increase of $16 billion from the reactor’s return to service, signifying a substantial economic boost for the region.

The advance in the timeline for reopening the Three Mile Island plant is due in part to the fast-tracking of the approval process necessary for connecting to the power grid. This initiative reflects a broader trend in the U.S. as tech giants like Microsoft and Meta Platforms increasingly incorporate nuclear energy into their operations to meet the surging electricity requirements driven by digital demands.

Nuclear Energy’s Rising Role in the Power Sector

According to the International Energy Agency, U.S. electricity consumption related to artificial intelligence and data centers is expected to rise by 130% from 2024 to 2030. In this context, the contribution of nuclear energy, which is projected to account for approximately 18% of America’s power in 2024, is becoming increasingly essential.

Despite the historical safety concerns stemming from past nuclear incidents, including the renowned partial meltdown at Three Mile Island’s Unit 2 reactor in 1979, advancements in reactor safety and operations have renewed confidence in the industry. Continuous improvement measures implemented since then, alongside the emphasis on reliable and low-carbon energy sources, have prompted a resurgence of interest in nuclear energy across the nation.

Economic Impact and Future Prospects

The comprehensive economic impact study advocating for the plant’s restart highlights the significant regional advantages anticipated from its operational return. Constellation Energy, which acquired the Three Mile Island facility in 1999, plays a pivotal role in this revival as part of a nation-wide strategy to enhance nuclear energy’s viability.

As of early 2025, the U.S. is home to 54 operating nuclear plants, containing a total of 94 reactors. Nonetheless, there are currently no new reactors under construction, emphasizing the importance of revitalizing existing facilities such as Three Mile Island to meet future energy demands.

Ultimately, the plans for the Crane Clean Energy Center signify a not only technical but also a strategic shift in the energy landscape, underscoring the commitment to investing in reliable, low-carbon energy sources as essential components of future U.S. energy policy.