### Reviving Three Mile Island: A $1 Billion Investment in Nuclear Energy for Clean Power The U.S. Department of Energy has approved a significant $1 billion loan to Constellation Energy aimed at restarting the Three Mile Island Unit 1 nuclear reactor. This initiative is primarily designed to supply clean energy to Microsoft's data centers, which are increasingly reliant on sustainable power sources. The reactor, which has been inactive since 2019, is expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 800,000 homes, marking a pivotal moment in the revival of nuclear energy in the U.S. [https://interestingengineering.com/energy/us-three-mile-island-nuclear-reactor]. ### Structure of the News Event 1. **Loan Approval and Purpose** - The U.S. Department of Energy has committed to a $1 billion loan to Constellation Energy for the restart of the Three Mile Island reactor, which is part of a broader strategy to meet rising energy demands, particularly from tech companies like Microsoft [https://cryptorank.io/news/feed/863ec-nuclear-reactor-deal-with-microsoft]. 2. **Historical Context** - Three Mile Island is historically significant as the site of the worst commercial nuclear accident in U.S. history in 1979. The restart of this reactor symbolizes a renewed focus on nuclear energy as a clean power source [https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/19/three-mile-island-nuclear-loan-microsoft-datacenter]. 3. **Financial Implications** - The total estimated cost to restart the reactor is around $1.6 billion, with the federal loan aimed at reducing financing costs for Constellation Energy. The company plans to bring the reactor back online by 2027 [https://www.utilitydive.com/news/doe-loan-constellation-crane-nuclear-restart/805923]. 4. **Impact on Energy Supply** - The reactor is expected to provide 835 megawatts of power, which will significantly contribute to the energy needs of Microsoft's AI operations, highlighting the intersection of technology and energy policy [https://winbuzzer.com/2025/11/19/trump-administration-grants-1b-loan-to-restart-three-mile-island-nuclear-plant-for-microsoft-xcxwbn]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Loan Amount**: $1 billion from the U.S. Department of Energy [https://www.apnews.com/article/three-mile-island-nuclear-power-constellation-microsoft-energy-b36d8ce1b68891e18d165063f57e4c5b]. - **Total Restart Cost**: Estimated at $1.6 billion [https://www.utilitydive.com/news/doe-loan-constellation-crane-nuclear-restart/805923]. - **Power Generation Capacity**: Approximately 835 megawatts, enough to power 800,000 homes [https://interestingengineering.com/energy/us-three-mile-island-nuclear-reactor]. - **Timeline for Restart**: Expected to be operational by 2027 [https://www.financial-world.org/news/news/financial/29624/trump-administration-backs-1-billion-loan-to-restart-three-mile-island-reactor]. ### Conclusion: A Strategic Move Towards Sustainable Energy The approval of a $1 billion loan to restart the Three Mile Island reactor represents a strategic shift in U.S. energy policy, emphasizing the importance of nuclear power in meeting future energy demands. 1. **Significant Investment**: The federal loan is a crucial step in revitalizing a historically significant nuclear facility [https://apnews.com/article/three-mile-island-nuclear-power-constellation-microsoft-energy-b36d8ce1b68891e18d165063f57e4c5b]. 2. **Clean Energy Goals**: This initiative aligns with broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and supporting the energy needs of major tech companies [https://www.indexbox.io/blog/constellation-energy-gets-1-billion-federal-loan-to-restart-three-mile-island-reactor]. 3. **Future Outlook**: The successful restart of the reactor could pave the way for further investments in nuclear energy as a viable solution to the growing energy crisis [https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/18/trump-nuclear-three-mile-island-crane-loan-constellation-ceg.html]. This development not only marks a significant financial commitment but also reflects a renewed confidence in nuclear energy as a cornerstone of America's clean energy future.