The Trump administration has greenlit a $1 billion federal loan to Constellation Energy, paving the way for the revival of a long-dormant nuclear reactor in Pennsylvania.
The plant, once infamous as Three Mile Island, will reopen as the Crane Clean Energy Center to fuel the exploding demand from tech giants like Microsoft.
From Shutdown to AI Lifeline
Constellation inked a deal with Microsoft last year to fire up the 835-megawatt reactor by 2027. The power will directly offset the massive electricity needs of Microsoft’s data centers, which are guzzling energy to run AI models.
The unit went offline in 2019 due to costs, sitting idle next to the 1979 accident site – America’s worst nuclear incident.
Why Nuclear Now? 24/7 Clean Power
US electricity use is surging for the first time in 20 years, thanks to AI, EVs, and data centers. Tech companies love nuclear because:
- Zero carbon emissions
- Runs non-stop, unlike solar or wind
- Reliable for always-on computing
But critics point to the unresolved radioactive waste problem – no permanent storage yet.
Boosting the Eastern Grid
Department of Energy Loan Programs Office head Greg Beard called it a win for the PJM grid, which powers much of the East Coast.
“This is big, steady, cheap baseload power we desperately need,” Beard said.
The loan cuts Constellation’s borrowing costs and draws in private money, aligning with the office’s mission.
Fast-Track Timeline
- Hired hundreds of workers
- Finished inspections; big equipment ordered
- Needs new cooling towers, transformer, and refueling
PJM’s quick review shaved a year off the schedule.
Taxpayer Safeguards and Trump’s Push
It’s a milestone – the first LPO loan closed right after conditions were met. Constellation guarantees it, protecting public funds.
Beard said even a solid company like Constellation needed the nudge: “President Trump wants to back reliable, affordable energy.”
Final approvals from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and water permits are pending.
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