Constellation Energy to Restart Three Mile Island Nuclear PlantIn a bold move to address the growing energy demands of the tech sector, Constellation Energy (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:CEG ) announced plans to restart the Unit 1 reactor of the historic Three Mile Island nuclear plant. The power generated from this reactor will be sold to Microsoft under a groundbreaking 20-year agreement, marking a major development in the energy and technology industries.
Powering AI and Data Centers
Constellation’s decision to bring the reactor back online, expected in 2028, reflects the immense power needs of modern data centers—especially as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to grow. AI systems and data centers require vast amounts of electricity, and tech companies like Microsoft are seeking innovative ways to ensure their energy consumption aligns with carbon-free goals. By securing nuclear energy from Three Mile Island, Microsoft is taking a significant step toward decarbonizing its operations, part of its commitment to become carbon negative.
Bobby Hollis, Vice President of Energy at Microsoft, called the deal “a major milestone in Microsoft's efforts to help decarbonize the grid,” emphasizing how crucial clean energy is for the tech industry.
A Historic Rebirth of Nuclear Power
The Unit 1 reactor, which was shut down in 2019 due to economic challenges posed by cheaper natural gas and renewable energy sources, is being revived as part of a $1.6 billion investment by Constellation Energy. The announcement positions nuclear power as a critical player in the clean energy transition, especially as the tech industry’s energy consumption grows. Nuclear power is increasingly viewed as a reliable, carbon-free option that can meet 24/7 energy demands—something essential for operations like AI data centers.
Joe Dominguez, CEO of Constellation, stated, “This decision is the most powerful symbol of the rebirth of nuclear power as a clean and reliable energy resource.” He further highlighted that restarting the plant would allow nuclear energy to once again contribute to both technological and environmental advancements.
The facility will be renamed the Crane Clean Energy Center, in honor of Chris Crane, the late CEO of Constellation’s former parent company.
A New Era for Three Mile Island
This announcement marks the second time in U.S. history that a nuclear plant will be restarted after a previous shutdown. Constellation’s move has significant implications for the nuclear power industry, which has faced decades of challenges and plant closures. Three Mile Island itself is no stranger to history, as its Unit 2 reactor was the site of the worst nuclear accident in U.S. history in 1979. The Unit 2 reactor remains decommissioned and is not part of the restart plan.
Constellation will apply for a license extension to continue operating Unit 1 until at least 2054, with the approval process expected to be completed by 2027. The restart will only proceed if it receives clearance from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and approval from PJM Interconnection, the grid operator for the mid-Atlantic region.
Surging Demand for Nuclear Power in Tech
The demand for energy from tech companies like Microsoft is only expected to increase in the coming years, with some projections estimating that data centers will consume up to 8% of total U.S. electricity demand by 2030, compared to just 3% today. Nuclear energy, with its ability to provide consistent, carbon-free power, is quickly becoming a viable solution for these rising needs.
Microsoft is not alone in its pursuit of nuclear power for AI and data center operations. Amazon Web Services has also inked deals to power data centers with nuclear energy, and Oracle recently announced plans for a data center powered by small nuclear reactors. These moves are part of a broader trend in the tech industry to align growing energy needs with environmental commitments.
A Record Stock Surge
The market responded swiftly to Constellation’s announcement, sending the company’s stock soaring by 21%. This surge caps a stellar year for the energy provider, with its shares more than doubling in value year to date. Microsoft’s stock saw a slight dip following the announcement as part of a broader tech sector sell-off, but the long-term benefits of its clean energy deal are expected to bolster its carbon-negative ambitions.
The Future of Energy and Technology
Constellation’s partnership with Microsoft signals the future of energy and technology, where nuclear power, long sidelined by economic and environmental challenges, is stepping back into the spotlight as a key player in the transition to clean energy. As AI and data center demand continue to rise, tech companies will likely turn to nuclear energy to meet their needs in a sustainable way.
This deal represents not only a major leap for Constellation Energy (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:CEG ) but also a broader rebirth of nuclear power in the U.S., as it becomes an essential part of the energy mix for both industry and technology in the decades to come.
