The Three Mile Island accident that occurred on March 28, 1979 was the most serious accident in U.S. nuclear power plant history. A combination of equipment malfunctions and worker errors led to a loss of coolant, causing a partial meltdown at the Unit 2 reactor. The power plant is located in Middletown, PA, which is only ten miles away from Hershey. Although there were no severe health consequences from the radioactive material that was released, public opinion regarding the use of nuclear power plants changed drastically.
While the Unit 1 reactor continued to operate after the disaster, it officially closed in 2019 due to a lack of funding. However, now that there is a large demand for power from data centers, companies are turning to nuclear energy.
Constellation Energy has signed a 20-year agreement with Microsoft, and will officially reopen Three Mile Island Unit 1 in 2028. Microsoft will purchase energy from Constellation Energy to power its data centers and artificial intelligence programs, which require an immense amount of consistent and reliable energy. The plant will be renamed as the Crane Clean Energy Center in honor of former CEO Chris Crane.
As concerns about climate change have increased, many have turned to nuclear power plants as a solution to clean energy. Although nuclear power plants create radioactive waste, they do not emit air pollutants and carbon dioxide.
Governor Josh Shapiro has expressed his support for the reopening of the plant. “Pennsylvania’s nuclear energy industry plays a critical role in providing safe, reliable, carbon-free electricity that helps reduce emissions and grow Pennsylvania’s economy,” said Shapiro.
According to a study conducted by the Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council, the new plant will create 3,400 direct and indirect jobs and add $16 billion to Pennsylvania’s GDP.
Some local residents have raised concerns regarding health issues related to the plant. While Constellation Energy has made it clear that there is no need to worry about the safety and reliability of the plant, uncertainty remains.
As of now, the plant is ahead of schedule for its reopening in 2028. Significant milestones such as hiring, inspections, and licensing have been reached. Learn more about the plant’s progress here.
