Why Microsoft is Investing in a Nuclear Reactor at Three Mile Island—and What It Means for Tech Innovation

Microsoft has entered into an agreement to begin generating clean energy by the end of 2028

If you’re not old enough to remember the nuclear accident at Three Mile Island that happened near Harrisburg Pennsylvania USA in 1979, there was naturally a lot of drama and concern about the reactor meltdown that released radioactive gases into the environment. Fast forward to today and it’s a different world with different needs.

One big difference is the rise and rise of AI and its one big need is energy. And I’m sure you won’t be surprised to hear that the big players looking to corner the market in the AI race are lining up to secure the energy the need to win.

With full understanding that they face an existential from a lack of clean energy, corporations Microsoft and Constellation have partnered to revive a unit of the Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Pennsylvania, marking the first attempt to restart a closed nuclear facility. The plant’s power will help offset Microsoft's growing energy demands from its data centres. The project, costing $1.6 billion, is slated to provide 835 megawatts of power by 2028.

If you thought AI was a passing fad you can ride out until the dust settles, then surely this news confirms it’s not only here to stay but the world’s biggest corporations (Meta, Amazon and co) are prepared to invest big money to secure their future energy needs.

By the way, I’m all in with nuclear power as I see it as the only way the world can reach its carbon reduction targets and deadlines. If you’re interested to know more, take a look at this official trailer for Oliver Stone’s brilliant documentary, Nuclear Now.

Here’s more info on Microsoft’s Three Mile Island deal.