The revitalization of the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant marks a pivotal moment for Pennsylvania, representing a significant opportunity to power the state’s future industries, particularly the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence sector. State Representative Tom Mehaffie reflected on his family’s history intertwined with the plant, emphasizing the profound economic impact of its previous closure on the local community and businesses.

A substantial $16 billion agreement between Constellation Energy and Microsoft aims to reactivate the Crane center, providing a crucial source of energy for Microsoft’s AI data centers. This initiative is anticipated to generate at least 650 permanent jobs and additional employment for building trades during the recommissioning process. Governor Josh Shapiro has championed the plant’s return, integrating nuclear power as a key component of his energy strategy.

Shapiro’s broader energy plan seeks to maintain Pennsylvania’s leadership in the energy market by combining natural gas resources with sustainable energy technologies, with a goal of achieving 35% renewable energy by 2035. PJM Interconnect, responsible for grid management, has implemented a Reliable Resource Initiative to accelerate the connection of numerous generating resources, including nuclear facilities, to address a growing backlog of projects.

Bobby Hollis, Microsoft’s energy vice president, highlighted the unique nature of the Crane center’s reactivation, essential to keeping pace with AI growth. Microsoft’s commitment to purchasing the plant’s entire 835 megawatt output underscores the energy demands of the technology sector. Manu Asthana, CEO of PJM, pointed to record electricity demand during the recent heatwave, exceeding last summer’s peak by nine gigawatts—a difference exceeding the Crane center’s planned output—emphasizing the critical need for reliable power sources, essential not only for daily needs but also for national security in the age of AI.