Microsoft, Constellation Energy to Restart Three Mile Island

In a pivotal agreement, Microsoft and Constellation Energy announced plans to restart the infamous Three Mile Island nuclear power plant by 2028. This decision comes in light of increasing electricity consumption driven by technological advancements like electric vehicles (EVs) and artificial intelligence (AI). Historically, Three Mile Island was the site of the largest nuclear disaster in the U.S., yet its potential to contribute to a stable energy grid is now being reconsidered. Mark Nelson, founder and managing director of Radiant Energy Group, provided insights into the technical and safety challenges of restarting the plant. He noted that the initial closure in 2019 was primarily due to lower fossil fuel prices, which diverted reliance away from nuclear energy. As states like New York face power shortages after shutting down nuclear facilities, the question of energy infrastructure resilience becomes urgent. Nelson emphasizes the need for systematic designs and series installations of reactors to reduce costs and bolster nuclear energy's potential. Venture investment is increasingly directed toward reviving older designs rather than innovating entirely new reactors, as existing licensed designs are more feasible for quick deployment. The nuclear landscape is shifting, driven by a combination of environmental advocacy, technological demands, and economic considerations, signaling a renaissance for nuclear energy in America.