Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has called for regulators to accelerate the integration of the Three Mile Island nuclear reactor into the power grid, a move that would allow Microsoft Corporation to tap into its power by 2028. This push comes after Microsoft’s decision to purchase power from the currently inactive Three Mile Island nuclear plant.
In a letter addressed to the heads of PJM Interconnection, the grid operator serving Pennsylvania and several other states, Shapiro advocated for the reactor to be treated as an existing facility rather than a new development, allowing it to bypass the lengthy queue for grid connection. He highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that PJM halted the acceptance of new energy source applications in 2021 and won’t resume until February 2026.
The grid is facing an escalating demand for electricity fueled by the rise of data centers, electric vehicles, and new factories. This increased demand could push the grid to its limit of reliable power by 2030. The governor emphasized the importance of bringing the reactor online quickly to avoid a potential power shortage.
The Three Mile Island reactor (Unit 1), owned by Constellation Energy Corporation, was shut down in 2019 due to financial constraints. It stands adjacent to Unit 2, which has been inactive since 1979 and is currently undergoing decommissioning. Notably, Unit 2 suffered a partial meltdown on March 28, 1979, marking the most serious accident in the U.S. commercial nuclear operating history. However, Unit 1 operates independently and was not affected by the accident.
Microsoft’s decision to source energy from the revived plant stems from its commitment to align its PJM data centers’ power use with carbon-free energy, contributing to its sustainability goals. This 20-year power purchase agreement with Constellation Energy has already had a positive impact on the company’s shares, with several analysts raising the price target on the stock.
The governor’s push for the expedited reintegration of the Three Mile Island reactor highlights the growing importance of nuclear energy in the transition to a cleaner energy future. As demand for clean energy sources like nuclear power continues to rise, particularly for large energy consumers like data centers, this case could serve as a model for future projects, accelerating the development of nuclear energy resources across the country.
