Tucked away in Pennsylvania sits the infamous Three Mile Island nuclear power plant, site of America’s worst nuclear meltdown in 1979. After lying dormant for five years, the lights are now turning back on at the plant as part of a $1.6 billion plan to restart operations.
The clean energy produced at Three Mile Island will be used to power AI servers, a demand that has been steadily increasing in recent years. The electricity generated will be sold to one company in particular: Microsoft. This move towards reviving nuclear power plants has garnered support from high-profile figures in Silicon Valley, including Elon Musk.
To understand the process of restarting a nuclear power plant like Three Mile Island, the Wall Street Journal took a closer look inside the facility. The steps required to restart the clean energy source were examined, shedding light on the complexities and challenges involved in such an endeavor.
One of the key aspects explored during the visit was the 1979 meltdown at Three Mile Island and the extensive cleanup efforts that followed. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with nuclear power plants, underscoring the need for stringent safety measures.
Regulations governing the restart of nuclear reactors were also closely scrutinized. These regulations are in place to ensure the safety of workers, surrounding communities, and the environment. Meeting these requirements is crucial in order to proceed with the restart of a nuclear power plant.
Despite the hurdles and complexities involved in restarting a nuclear power plant, the demand for clean energy sources like nuclear power remains strong. As we navigate towards a more sustainable future, the role of nuclear power in the energy sector is likely to continue to be a topic of discussion and debate.
Watch the video by The Wall Street Journal
Video “Inside the $1.6B Plan to Restart Three Mile Island | WSJ” was uploaded on 01/14/2025 to Youtube Channel The Wall Street Journal