Three Mile Island nuclear reactor revival secures $1B federal loan for AI-driven power surge
The Trump administration has approved a $1 billion loan to Constellation Energy Corp for restarting a nuclear reactor in Pennsylvania. The plant, once called Three Mile Island, shut down in 2019. The funding aims to bring the 835-megawatt reactor back online, helping meet rising power demands from technologies like artificial intelligence.
The reactor originally closed in 2019, while its sister unit had already stopped operating in 1979 following a well-known accident. Constellation has since signed an agreement with Microsoft, which will use the reactor’s electricity to offset its Microsoft 365 data centre consumption. The project also aligns with Microsoft’s climate commitments.
The reactor’s restart will provide a significant power source for the grid while supporting Microsoft’s clean energy targets. With permits still pending, Constellation continues preparations to bring the facility back online. The project marks a key step in meeting rising energy needs through nuclear power.
