Pennsylvania’s economy is set to receive a $16 billion boost as the Crane Clean Energy Center, formerly Three Mile Island Unit 1, will reopen in 2027, creating 3,400 jobs while providing Microsoft with clean nuclear energy for the next two decades.
Key Takeaways
- The Three Mile Island nuclear reactor, now Crane Clean Energy Center, will reopen in 2027, a year ahead of schedule, after being offline since 2019.
- Constellation Energy has secured a 20-year power purchase agreement with Microsoft to supply 835 megawatts of clean energy, enough to power 800,000 homes.
- The $1.6 billion project is expected to create 3,400 direct and indirect jobs and boost Pennsylvania’s GDP by $16 billion.
- This reopening represents a growing trend of tech companies turning to nuclear energy to meet the electricity demands of AI and data centers.
- The reactor restart is separate from Unit 2, which experienced the infamous 1979 partial meltdown and remains permanently shut down.
Nuclear Power Returns to Three Mile Island
The former Three Mile Island nuclear facility, now rebranded as Crane Clean Energy Center, will return to operation in 2027, marking a significant revival of nuclear power in Pennsylvania. This accelerated timeline, announced by Constellation Energy Corporation, represents a full year ahead of the originally planned restart. The Unit 1 reactor, which has been dormant since 2019 due to economic challenges, will once again provide clean, reliable energy to the region, adding 835 megawatts to the PJM power grid—enough electricity to power approximately 800,000 homes.
This development comes at a critical time when energy demands are surging, particularly from the tech sector. Constellation’s partnership with Microsoft through a 20-year power purchase agreement demonstrates the growing recognition of nuclear energy’s role in supporting the expansion of data centers and artificial intelligence technologies. The agreement ensures a stable, carbon-free power source for Microsoft’s operations while providing the economic foundation necessary for Constellation to justify the significant investment required to restart the facility.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The reopening of the Crane Clean Energy Center represents a substantial economic opportunity for Pennsylvania. Constellation plans to invest $1.6 billion in the restart, which is projected to create approximately 3,400 jobs throughout the region. These include both direct positions at the facility and indirect employment in supporting industries. The economic ripple effect is expected to generate around $16 billion for Pennsylvania’s economy over the coming years, providing a much-needed boost to local communities and the state’s overall financial health.
“Pennsylvania is on the rise,” said Gov. Josh Shapiro.
In addition to job creation and economic growth, Constellation has committed to investing in the local community, pledging $1 million to Harrisburg over the next five years. This financial support underscores the company’s commitment to being a good corporate citizen and recognizes the importance of building strong relationships with surrounding communities. The significant tax revenue generated by the facility’s operation will further benefit local governments, providing funding for essential services and infrastructure improvements.
Meeting the Energy Demands of the AI Era
The timing of the Crane Clean Energy Center’s reopening aligns perfectly with the skyrocketing energy demands from America’s booming technology sector. Industry projections indicate that U.S. electricity consumption from AI applications and data centers is expected to increase by a staggering 130% between 2024 and 2030. Nuclear power, which currently provides approximately 18% of America’s electricity, offers the unique combination of reliability, capacity, and carbon-free generation that makes it ideal for supporting these growing energy needs.
“Folks shouldn’t sleep on nuclear,” said Gov. Josh Shapiro, highlighting the importance of this energy source.
The trend of tech giants partnering with nuclear operators extends beyond Microsoft. Constellation has also secured an agreement with Meta Platforms to supply nuclear power from its Clinton Clean Energy Center in Illinois, also scheduled to begin in 2027. These partnerships signal a fundamental shift in how major technology companies are addressing their energy needs, moving away from intermittent renewable sources toward the baseload reliability that nuclear provides. This represents a win for American energy independence, job creation, and technological advancement.
A Personal Connection to Nuclear Energy
For many Pennsylvanians, the return of operations at the former Three Mile Island site represents more than just economic statistics—it’s a personal connection to an industry that has supported generations of families. The emotional significance of this reopening was captured by Rob Bair, who shared his family’s ties to the facility: “You wonder why I’m passionate about nuclear energy. My father … was here from the original build of Unit 1 and Unit 2, and as a kid, that plant put meals on my table, a roof over my head, clothes on my back. That would not have happened without nuclear energy.”
It’s important to note that the Crane Clean Energy Center project involves only Unit 1, which has maintained an excellent safety record throughout its operational history. It remains completely separate from Unit 2, which experienced the 1979 partial meltdown and has been permanently decommissioned. The restart of Unit 1 represents a new chapter for the site, focused on safety, economic prosperity, and meeting America’s growing energy needs while supporting President Trump’s vision for American energy dominance.
