Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant Reopens to Support Microsoft’s AI Initiative

The Three Mile Island nuclear plant, the site of one of the most significant nuclear incidents in U.S. history, is looking at a potential reopening to supply power for Microsoft’s advancements in artificial intelligence.

Constellation Energy has announced plans to supply Microsoft with nuclear energy for the next 20 years by refitting one of the plant’s reactors, aiming for a return to service by 2028. This move marks a significant step in addressing the increasing energy demands associated with AI technologies.

According to Constellation, an investment of $1.6 billion will be directed towards the refurbishment of one of the two reactors at the Pennsylvania facility. The reactor in question was shut down following a system malfunction that led to a partial meltdown in 1979. The second reactor managed to remain operational until its closure in 2019, and it is this reactor that is set to be upgraded.

In recent times, the world of technology has seen major companies like Microsoft exploring nuclear power as a viable energy solution for their energy-intensive AI data centers. Job listings posted last year hinted at Microsoft’s intentions to investigate nuclear energy options to support its data center operations.

Bobby Hollis, Microsoft’s Vice President for Energy, conveyed to Bloomberg that the revitalized Three Mile Island reactor would assist the company in achieving its goal of becoming carbon-negative by 2030. He mentioned that this nuclear energy would support not only Microsoft’s data center expansion in Pennsylvania but also in surrounding states.

The energy requirements for training and operating AI models, such as those that power popular chatbots like ChatGPT, have surged dramatically. This significant demand has prompted an upsurge in investments in data centers throughout the U.S.

However, this expansion comes amid growing concerns regarding the environmental implications of AI technology. Several experts have raised alarms about the substantial water usage and carbon emissions associated with building and maintaining AI systems, highlighting the often overlooked environmental cost of technological progress.

As efforts to tap into nuclear energy intensify, the collaboration between Microsoft and Constellation reflects a broader trend within the tech industry to find sustainable and reliable energy sources to fuel the rapidly growing demands of artificial intelligence.

Overall, the prospect of reopening Three Mile Island could represent an innovative solution to some of the challenges posed by energy consumption in AI development, potentially setting a precedent for future energy strategies in the tech sector.

Both Microsoft and Constellation Energy did not provide comments when approached, as inquiries were submitted outside normal working hours.