Pennsylvania’s future as a clean energy and economic powerhouse took a major step forward this week as more than 400 workers and local leaders gathered Wednesday to celebrate the restart of the Crane Clean Energy Center (CCEC), the Middletown, Pa., nuclear power plant formerly known as Three Mile Island, Unit 1.
Plant operator Constellation Energy Corp. said the plant’s restart could come as early as 2027, with the approval of an early interconnection request by grid operator PJM Interconnection and significant progress made on hiring, reactor operator training, and major equipment purchases.
Revival of the plant is expected to deliver thousands of jobs, billions of dollars in economic growth, and reliable, emissions-free power to the commonwealth. The project is also a centerpiece of the state’s long-term energy strategy, combining environmental stewardship with economic growth.
“This restart will safely take advantage of existing infrastructure while creating thousands of energy jobs and strengthening Pennsylvania’s legacy as a national energy leader,” said Gov. Josh Shapiro during the June 25 event. “My proposed energy plan would spark the next generation of energy production here in Pennsylvania, and projects like this are going to help us continue to create energy jobs and build a more reliable, affordable energy grid.”
Constellation’s $1.6 billion investment to bring the retired nuclear facility back online is projected to generate 3,400 direct and indirect jobs, add $16 billion to Pennsylvania’s GDP, and contribute more than $3 billion in state and federal tax revenue.
“Today we begin a new chapter for reliable, emissions-free nuclear energy, returning thousands of good jobs and billions in economic opportunities for Pennsylvania families and businesses,” said Joe Dominguez, Constellation president and CEO. “With PJM’s action, Microsoft’s historic investment, and strong support from Gov. Shapiro, elected officials, and members of this community, we’re on track to make history ahead of schedule, helping America achieve energy independence, supercharge economic growth, and win the global AI race.”
The CCEC site is already more than 64-percent staffed, with nearly 400 full-time employees and dozens more hires on the way. Local contractors, electricians, rigging experts, and construction workers are on site working in plant renovations, including upgrades to training facilities, turbines, and generators.
“Crane is a huge shot in the arm for the 130,000 building and construction trades workers I am privileged to represent in Pennsylvania,” said Rob Bair, president of the Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council. “This plant will give our workers the best opportunity to truly have a middle-class living, making good money with great benefits — something they can all be proud of.”
Shapiro said his administration has worked closely with Constellation and PJM Interconnection — the regional grid operator — to fast-track approvals, including a critical early interconnection request that clears the way for a 2027 restart.
Microsoft’s partnership with Constellation will also add more momentum to restart by helping to ensure that the carbon-free electricity from CCEC will support the state’s grid reliability while meeting growing demand for clean energy from tech and manufacturing sectors.
“As Microsoft continues its path to become a carbon negative company, this agreement brings a significant supply of new, reliable, carbon-free electricity back to the PJM power grid,” said Bobby Hollis, vice president of energy at Microsoft. “This will help address the grids’ capacity and reliability needs in the regions we operate.”
Constellation said it has also pledged $1 million in community support over five years, with donations already reaching $185,000 this year.
Most recently, the company announced Tuesday new contributions of $25,000 to the Lower Dauphin Bookmobile and $20,000 to Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania, said Constellation.
“An active plant helps our entire region thrive,” said Anna Dale, Londonderry Township Supervisor. “Constellation has been a strong community partner, and this restart will lift local businesses, emergency services, and families across the area.”
Maria Korsnick, president and CEO of the Nuclear Energy Institute, said the center’s restart is a national model for how Pennsylvania can lead the transition to clean, reliable power without leaving workers or communities behind.
“We congratulate Constellation, Microsoft, and the state of Pennsylvania for doing something that seemed impossible just a few years ago: restarting a shuttered nuclear plant,” Korsnick said during the event. “The U.S. nuclear industry is uniquely positioned to meet the rising demand for clean, reliable, and affordable energy. The Crane Clean Energy Center is a powerful example of how our industry is rising to the challenge.”