Three Mile Island Nuclear Reactor Set to Reopen

A renewed interest in nuclear power is emerging globally, driven by rising energy demands, climate change concerns, and the need for stable energy sources. Notably, Constellation Energy plans to restart the Unit 1 reactor at Pennsylvania's Three Mile Island by 2028, marking a significant step in revitalizing the nuclear industry, which is expected to play a crucial role in meeting the energy needs of data centers, particularly for companies like Microsoft. The U.S. operates 94 nuclear reactors, generating about 18% of its electricity, but officials highlight that at least 200 gigawatts of new nuclear capacity is needed to meet future demand. Stock prices for uranium producers, including Cameco and Uranium Energy, have surged in anticipation of this nuclear resurgence, although experts warn that significant new reactor projects can take a decade or more to realize. The agreement between Constellation and Microsoft underscores the increasing demand for reliable, clean energy sources as AI and data centers grow. While the restart of existing plants is a positive sign, a comprehensive strategy is required to triple the nuclear fleet to achieve the federal goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.