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Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant to Restart, Fueling AI Industry
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In 1979, an accident occured at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania, USA, where the reactor core melted. The accident reactor was permanently shut down. Afterwards, the remaining reactor operated until 2019 adn then ceased operation, and the US management of Donald Trump began the process of restarting it on the 18th (local time) with the goal of supporting the AI industry. The photo shows the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in October 2024. The two cooling towers on the left are connected to the damaged reactor and have traces of flames. [AFP=연합뉴스]
The U.S. Donald Trump administration has begun the process of restarting the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania, the site of the worst nuclear accident in U.S. history.
Addressing Rising Energy Demands
The U.S. Department of Energy announced on November 19, 2025, that it will approve a federal loan worth $1 billion (approximately 1.5 trillion won) to Constellation Energy. This move represents a significant shift in nuclear power policy, aiming to restart even the Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant – a facility previously central to the nuclear phase-out debate – amidst increasing electricity demand and price instability driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI).
Secretary of Energy Chris Wright stated in a press release, “This measure will help the United States expand its domestic manufacturing base and win the AI competition.”
Constellation energy’s Role
Constellation Energy,the leading company in the nuclear power plant industry in the United States,will oversee the restart process. The company plans to utilize the funding to upgrade the plant and ensure its safe and efficient operation.
Why Restart three Mile Island?
The decision to restart Three Mile Island, despite its history, highlights the growing need for reliable and carbon-free energy sources. AI development and deployment require massive amounts of electricity, and nuclear power offers a consistent baseload power supply. This contrasts with intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind,which require energy storage solutions to maintain grid stability.
- Increased Electricity Demand: The AI industry is a significant consumer of electricity.
- Grid Stability: Nuclear power provides a stable baseload power supply.
- Carbon-Free Energy: Nuclear energy doesn’t produce greenhouse gas emissions during operation.
- Domestic Manufacturing: Supporting the nuclear industry strengthens the U.S. manufacturing base.
Ancient Context: The 1979 Accident
The Three Mile Island accident in 1979 involved a partial meltdown of the reactor core. While no deaths or injuries were directly attributed to the accident, it led to significant changes in nuclear power plant safety regulations and public perception of nuclear energy. One reactor unit was permanently shut down following the incident. The remaining unit continued operation until 2019.
“The Three Mile Island accident served as a crucial learning experience for the nuclear industry, leading to enhanced safety protocols and improved reactor designs.”
FAQ
Q: Is it safe to restart Three Mile Island?
A: Extensive safety assessments and upgrades will be conducted to ensure the plant meets modern safety standards. The Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission will oversee the process.
Q: How long will it take to restart the plant?
A: The restart process is expected to take several years, involving significant infrastructure upgrades and regulatory approvals.
Q: What is the impact on electricity prices?