A multibillion-dollar loan to revive a dormant US nuclear reactor, long overshadowed by a 1979 disaster, has been approved by the Trump administration in a bid to boost regional energy supplies and attract data center investment.
The Department of Energy's decision paves the way for Constellation Energy, the nation's largest operator of nuclear plants, to restart the Crane Clean Energy Center at Three Mile Island by 2027. The facility is set to generate enough electricity to power around 800,000 homes. Microsoft has secured a 20-year power-purchasing agreement, and Amazon plans to construct a data center in nearby Luzerne County.
Critics had long questioned the safety of nuclear power following a partial meltdown at Three Mile Island in 1979. While the reactor that will be restarted was not involved in the incident, the site's troubled past has contributed to widespread skepticism about nuclear energy.
The Trump administration's decision marks its first commitment to a nuclear project under its 'nuclear energy policy' launched earlier this year. The $1 billion loan is intended to reduce costs and make electricity cheaper for over 65 million consumers across a 13-state region relying on the regional grid operated by PJM Interconnection.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright hailed the restart as crucial for boosting America's manufacturing capabilities and ensuring domestic energy security in a rapidly changing technology landscape where data centers are increasingly driving demand for power. By utilizing nuclear energy, Constellation aims to provide affordable, reliable, and secure electricity to consumers across the Mid-Atlantic region.
Industry experts point out that while high upfront costs associated with nuclear power may deter investors, its ability to operate continuously at capacity makes it a prime choice for powering data centers, which consume around 12% of national electricity by 2028. With Constellation expecting the restart to generate over $3 billion in tax revenue and create nearly 4,000 jobs, this loan is seen as crucial for revitalizing regional energy supplies and reducing reliance on natural gas reserves.
As tech companies continue to invest heavily in data centers across Pennsylvania, with many expected to power these facilities from nuclear energy sources, this move marks an important step forward in transforming the state into a national hub for this industry.
The Department of Energy's decision paves the way for Constellation Energy, the nation's largest operator of nuclear plants, to restart the Crane Clean Energy Center at Three Mile Island by 2027. The facility is set to generate enough electricity to power around 800,000 homes. Microsoft has secured a 20-year power-purchasing agreement, and Amazon plans to construct a data center in nearby Luzerne County.
Critics had long questioned the safety of nuclear power following a partial meltdown at Three Mile Island in 1979. While the reactor that will be restarted was not involved in the incident, the site's troubled past has contributed to widespread skepticism about nuclear energy.
The Trump administration's decision marks its first commitment to a nuclear project under its 'nuclear energy policy' launched earlier this year. The $1 billion loan is intended to reduce costs and make electricity cheaper for over 65 million consumers across a 13-state region relying on the regional grid operated by PJM Interconnection.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright hailed the restart as crucial for boosting America's manufacturing capabilities and ensuring domestic energy security in a rapidly changing technology landscape where data centers are increasingly driving demand for power. By utilizing nuclear energy, Constellation aims to provide affordable, reliable, and secure electricity to consumers across the Mid-Atlantic region.
Industry experts point out that while high upfront costs associated with nuclear power may deter investors, its ability to operate continuously at capacity makes it a prime choice for powering data centers, which consume around 12% of national electricity by 2028. With Constellation expecting the restart to generate over $3 billion in tax revenue and create nearly 4,000 jobs, this loan is seen as crucial for revitalizing regional energy supplies and reducing reliance on natural gas reserves.
As tech companies continue to invest heavily in data centers across Pennsylvania, with many expected to power these facilities from nuclear energy sources, this move marks an important step forward in transforming the state into a national hub for this industry.
. Three Mile Island in 1979 was a major red flag and still raises some eyebrows today.
. And let's be real, $3 billion in tax revenue and 4,000 new jobs can't be ignored... it's like the ultimate prize 
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. I'm not gonna lie, when I think about nuclear power, my first thought is always "safety" 
. But I guess that's what they're trying to overcome with the $1 billion loan and all. The fact that Microsoft and Amazon are lining up for data center deals is pretty intriguing though 
. Still, I'd love to see some long-term studies on the environmental impact before we get too excited about this deal 
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I'm super stoked about this decision! It's amazing that the US government is investing in nuclear energy again and supporting Constellation Energy to restart the Crane Clean Energy Center at Three Mile Island 
The fact that Microsoft has secured a 20-year power-purchasing agreement and Amazon is planning to build a data center nearby is like, totally awesome 
This loan is going to bring in over $3 billion in tax revenue and create nearly 4,000 jobs - that's just incredible 
. And from what I read, the costs are gonna be way down and it'll be good for the economy too 
). The fact that data centers are driving demand for power is actually kinda cool – all that tech innovation 
. And let's be real, nuclear energy is still a viable option for the future. I mean, renewable energy is great and all, but we need something reliable too 
️. This loan is definitely a win-win in my book 
! A $1 billion loan to revive that old nuclear reactor at Three Mile Island is a genius move 
. I mean, think about it - we're not just talking about generating electricity, we're talking about creating jobs (4,000+ 
) and reviving regional energy supplies. And let's be real, who doesn't want to power their data centers with clean, reliable energy? It's a no-brainer for companies like Microsoft and Amazon, which are already investing heavily in the state. The fact that this loan is part of the administration's 'nuclear energy policy' (whatever that means 
) just goes to show they're serious about making nuclear power a thing again. I'm all for it - let's bring back that old reactor and get America's manufacturing capabilities roaring like never before 
. And let's not forget the environmental benefits 
- nuclear power is like, way cleaner than natural gas 
), and I'm stoked to see the US taking a step forward in nuclear energy 
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...or somethin'. And don't even get me started on the 20-year power-purchasing agreement with Microsoft 
. What if they need power from someone else in 10 years? Like, how's that gonna work out? 
It seems like we're just tryin' to prop up the old nuclear industry instead of movin' forward. 
. On a serious note, I'm glad to see some investment in regional energy supplies and all that jazz 
. But hey, if nuclear's the answer, let's go with it! The tax revenue and jobs? That sounds pretty sweet too 
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, and if Constellation Energy can make nuclear power more affordable and accessible, then I'm definitely down to support it 
. And let's be real, data centers are a big deal right now 
. Like, have you seen those amazing solar panel installations on rooftops? 
That's the kind of innovation that gets me pumped up! 
My aunt used to live near Three Mile Island when that disaster happened in '79, and she still can't shake off the fear... I guess it's reassuring that Constellation Energy's done plenty of updates and checks to ensure this new reactor is safe, but you can never fully rule out accidents 
... Maybe it's a small step towards making nuclear energy more viable...
. Like, aren't we still dealing with the aftermath of 3 Mile Island? I know it's not directly related but... anywayz, a billion bucks loaned to get this thing up and running by 2027 sounds like a whole lotta cash 
. It's like the government is trying to get ahead of the game by investing in nuclear power. And with all these tech companies moving into Pennsylvania, it's clear that data centers are becoming a major player in our energy mix 
. Like, Three Mile Island was a major disaster, and we can't just ignore that 
. But on the other hand, nuclear power is still super safe, right? 
(I'm pretty sure of it) ... except when it's not, you know? And what if something goes wrong with Constellation Energy again? 
. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about supporting American industries, but what about the risks? We can't just forget about that Three Mile Island disaster in 1979... it was a major wake-up call for a reason 
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