The iconic Three Mile Island nuclear station near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, has been closed since 2019. But exciting news awaits as plans are in place to reopen the island by 2028. Microsoft has set its sights on utilizing the power from Three Mile Island to fuel its data centers, which are essential for the tech giant’s AI and cloud computing endeavors.
A recent announcement by Constellation Energy, the plant’s owner, revealed a groundbreaking 20-year deal with Microsoft involving the purchase of energy from the revamped plant. The revival project requires a massive investment of $1.6 billion to modernize the infrastructure and secure the necessary permits and licenses. The economic benefits are immense, with the potential to create 3,400 new jobs and add $16 billion to Pennsylvania’s GDP.
Microsoft’s decision to turn to nuclear power reflects the escalating power needs driven by the AI boom. As the demand for carbon-free electricity rises, Microsoft’s strategic move to procure nuclear energy for two decades underscores its commitment to sustainability.
Three Mile Island. Credit: Getty Images
Following the announcement, public opinions have been divided on the project’s future. While Governor Josh Shapiro voices support for expediting the deal, residents of Perry County are expressing concerns about addressing nuclear waste disposal issues before reopening the plant.
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Dr. Michael Goff from the Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy hailed the restart as a crucial step in combating climate change and meeting energy demands. Three Mile Island, infamous for the 1979 nuclear accident, has undergone extensive improvements and regulatory enhancements since then.