A significant revitalization effort is underway at the former Three Mile Island site in Pennsylvania, now rebranded as the Crane Clean Energy Center. Led by Constellation, the project focuses on restarting Unit 1, which was previously decommissioned in 2019. This initiative marks a collaborative effort involving Microsoft and receiving strong support from the Pennsylvania state government under Governor Shapiro.

The core of this project is a substantial investment from Microsoft, aimed at securing a reliable supply of carbon-free electricity. This partnership aligns with Microsoft’s broader goals of achieving carbon negativity. Constellation, as the owner and operator, is driving the restart process, which has already achieved significant technical milestones, with the facility currently over 64% staffed and employing around 400 individuals. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved a license amendment allowing the renaming of the unit, with that approval occurring in May 2025.

The restart is expected to generate considerable economic benefits for the region, potentially creating thousands of energy-related jobs and stimulating billions in economic opportunities. The Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council has voiced strong support for the project, anticipating a positive impact on the workforce. Constellation has committed $1 million to the local community over five years, with $185,000 already distributed, including recent donations to the Lower Dauphin Communities That Care and Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania.

To move forward, Constellation is seeking approval from PJM, the regional power grid operator, to expedite the plant’s return to service. The project is seen as a vital step in the energy transition, demonstrating the potential for repurposing and restarting nuclear facilities to meet evolving energy needs and bolstering energy independence.