Three Mile Island Reopening Three Mile Island, known for the worst nuclear disaster in U.S. history, will reopen its Unit 1 reactor, expected to be operational in 2028, pending regulatory approval.

Power Exclusively for Microsoft Microsoft will purchase all the power generated by Three Mile Island to fuel its data centers, supporting its artificial intelligence (AI) ambitions with carbon-free energy.

Largest Constellation Energy Deal Constellation Energy, the company behind the reactor, called this 20-year agreement its largest ever, though financial details were not disclosed.

Nuclear Energy's Unique Appeal Nuclear energy is seen as a reliable, zero-carbon power source capable of running continuously, unlike intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar.

Environmental Concerns Persist While clean energy advocates praise nuclear’s potential, it faces criticism from environmental groups over nuclear waste, which the U.S. lacks a permanent solution for.

Economic Impact Reopening the reactor is expected to add 3,400 jobs, produce 800 megawatts of power, and contribute $16 billion to Pennsylvania’s GDP.

Legacy of the 1979 Meltdown Three Mile Island is infamous for the 1979 partial meltdown of its Unit 2 reactor, which remains closed. Unit 1, now being revived, was shut down five years ago.

Boosted by Biden’s Climate Bill The deal is supported by President Joe Biden’s climate bill, which provides tax credits for nuclear and other clean energy sources like wind, solar, and hydrogen.

Regulatory Challenges Reopening shuttered nuclear plants is rare, with few precedents for regulatory approval, as seen with the federal effort to restart the Palisades nuclear plant in Michigan.

Tech Giants and Nuclear Power As tech companies like Microsoft seek more energy for AI operations, nuclear is becoming a preferred option due to its carbon-free, reliable energy output, aligning with their climate goals.

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