Constellation Energy Corp. is investing $1.6 billion to revive the shuttered Three Mile Island nuclear plant, with plans to restart Unit 1 by 202812. This unprecedented move marks the first time a nuclear reactor in the United States has been recommissioned after closure3. The facility will be renamed the Crane Clean Energy Center, honoring Chris Crane, the former CEO of Constellation's parent organization3. Key aspects of the restoration include:

• Replacement or refurbishment of the turbine, generator, main power transformer, and cooling and control systems3

• Addition of 835 megawatts of carbon-free electricity to Pennsylvania's power grid32

• Creation of 3,400 direct and indirect jobs43

• Projected $16 billion contribution to the state's economy32

The restart requires federal regulatory approval, and Constellation intends to pursue licenses that would extend the plant's operational life until at least 205432.

Under a groundbreaking 20-year power purchase agreement, Microsoft will buy all the electricity generated by the restarted Three Mile Island facility to power its rapidly expanding AI operations12. This deal, driven by the tech giant's growing energy needs for data centers, aligns with Microsoft's commitment to carbon-free energy sources and the need for reliable, 24/7 power supply3. The agreement is part of a larger trend among major technology companies like Google, Amazon, Meta, and Apple, which are consuming vast amounts of energy to support the surge in artificial intelligence, with Goldman Sachs projecting a 160% increase in energy demand by 20303.

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence is driving a significant surge in energy consumption, with data centers at the forefront of this increased demand. According to the International Energy Agency, data centers may account for as much as one-third of the anticipated increase in U.S. electricity demand from 2024 through 20261. This surge is primarily attributed to the energy-intensive nature of AI operations, which require substantial computational power and cooling systems.

The impact of AI's energy consumption extends beyond just increased demand. It's prompting tech giants to explore more sustainable and reliable power sources, with nuclear energy emerging as a favored option. This shift is evidenced by Microsoft's agreement with Constellation Energy to power its AI operations using nuclear energy from the restarted Three Mile Island facility2. As AI continues to advance, the energy sector faces the challenge of meeting this growing demand while balancing environmental concerns and the need for reliable, round-the-clock power supply.

Extensive regulatory approval is required for the Three Mile Island restart, including a comprehensive safety and environmental assessment by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission1. Constellation plans to pursue licenses extending the plant's operational life until at least 20542. Public support for the restart appears strong, with residents favoring it by a more than 2-1 margin, provided funding doesn't require increased taxes or electricity rates3. However, environmental concerns persist, as the increased energy demand from data centers raises questions about emissions and overall environmental impact24.