Microsoft-Backed Nuclear Revival Plan Sparks Backlash Over Data Centres
The Three Mile Island nuclear reactor in Pennsylvania is set to be revived after a 40-year hiatus. The project, backed by Microsoft, aims to provide power for the tech giant's data centres, which are driving the artificial intelligence boom. A 262-tonne transformer shipped from South Korea has arrived at the site as part of the restart effort.
The reactor suffered a partial meltdown in 1979 and has been offline since 2019. Constellation Energy is leading the restart efforts, with plans to rename the reactor the Crane Clean Energy Centre. The project is rooted in a partnership between Constellation and Microsoft announced in 2024, which includes a 20-year power purchase agreement.
A growing backlash against data centres has emerged as an issue ahead of the US midterm elections. Communities are concerned about noise pollution, water usage for cooling, and rising electricity bills. In response, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has signed new rules and regulations aimed at making data centre developers more accountable to residents.
The Three Mile Island Alert organisation opposes the restart efforts, citing safety concerns and a $1 billion taxpayer loan provided to Constellation. The group also highlighted opposition from residents in the area regarding water consumption from the Susquehanna River.