Post Reports
The deal reopening Three Mile Island to power AI
Oct 15, 2024
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.
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
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