In a move straight out of a sci-fi reboot, Microsoft is teaming up with Constellation Energy to reopen Pennsylvania's Three Mile Island nuclear plant—the site of America's worst nuclear accident in 1979. The deal? Harness its energy to fuel the tech giant's AI operations.
A Nuclear Comeback Story
The plant's Unit 1, untouched by the 1979 meltdown of its neighboring reactor, will restart by 2028 under a $1.6 billion plan. Microsoft will buy all its power for 20 years—enough to light up 800,000 homes. Constellation CEO Joseph Dominguez called the shutdown a "mistake," claiming the revived plant could match 30 years of Pennsylvania's renewable energy output.
AI's Hunger for Clean Energy
As AI tech booms, so does its energy appetite. Microsoft’s bet on nuclear aligns with a broader push by Big Tech to secure carbon-free power for data centers. But critics warn: Relying on federal subsidies from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act raises eyebrows. "Should taxpayers foot the bill?" asked one Pentagon policy expert.
Jobs vs. Jitters
While Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro hailed the project’s 3,400 new jobs and $3 billion tax boost, not everyone’s cheering. Social media buzzed with concerns: "Send the nuclear waste to Microsoft HQ," joked one commenter. Safety advocates also question restarting a plant sealed since the '70s—a first for U.S. regulators.
Will this gamble power a greener future or repeat past mistakes? The verdict hinges on regulators' 2027 review.
