Evan Halper, a reporter from The Washington Post, dives into the potential reopening of Three Mile Island, site of the infamous 1979 nuclear accident. He discusses how Constellation Energy's partnership with Microsoft could transform the plant into a key power source for AI. As tech giants crave more energy, he outlines the balance between nuclear power's historical stigma and its role in a cleaner energy future. Halper also touches on community opinions and the financial stakes involved in this bold energy pivot.
The reopening of Three Mile Island, now Crane Clean Energy Center, symbolizes a potential nuclear renaissance driven by AI's rising energy demands.
Microsoft's agreement to source power from the plant reflects a shift in perception of nuclear energy as a reliable, continuous supply amidst growing tech sector needs.
Deep dives
The Three Mile Island Incident
In March 1979, a malfunction at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant led to a significant release of steam and radiation, creating widespread panic and prompting a partial evacuation of the surrounding area. The Pennsylvania governor advised vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and young children, to leave the five-mile radius around the plant. This incident became the worst nuclear accident in U.S. history, despite being relatively minor compared to later disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima. Although investigations concluded that the radiation released had minimal health impacts, the event left a lasting fear of nuclear power and triggered a rise in regulatory measures aimed at ensuring safety.
A Renewed Interest in Nuclear Power
Recently, there has been a renewed interest in nuclear energy, largely driven by the rising demands of artificial intelligence and the energy needs of tech companies building massive data centers. The growing reliance on AI technologies is projected to account for a staggering 17% of U.S. electricity consumption by 2030, which has intensified the search for stable and abundant energy sources. Microsoft has expressed a particular interest in nuclear energy, viewing it as a reliable option that provides continuous power unlike intermittent sources like wind and solar. This change in perspective marks a significant shift after decades of declining investment in nuclear, suggesting an emerging renaissance in the field.
The Potential Reopening of Three Mile Island
Microsoft's plan to acquire energy from the Three Mile Island plant, now renamed the Crane Clean Energy Center, represents a landmark moment for nuclear resurgence. The plant, although previously decommissioned, is being considered for reopening, contingent on a $1.6 billion investment and potential federal loan guarantees from the Department of Energy. While proponents argue that reactivating the plant could provide cleaner energy to the grid, thereby benefiting the broader community, there are notable risks and public concerns surrounding safety and the legacy of the past disaster. The local community is divided, with some supporting the economic benefits and job creation associated with the reopening, while others remain wary of the potential hazards linked to nuclear energy.
Microsoft hopes the power generated by the facility will help fuel the increasing energy needs of AI. It’s estimated that by 2030, 17% of the U.S. energy output could be going to data centers used by tech companies to power AI.
On today’s “Post Reports,” host Martine Powers speaks with reporter Evan Halper about how AI is reshaping the energy landscape in the U.S., and about the potential benefits and dangers of reopening Three Mile Island.
Today’s show was produced by Peter Bresnan, with help from Emma Talkoff. It was mixed by Sean Carter and edited by Ariel Plotnick, with help from Reena Flores. Thanks to Christopher Rowland.