Microsoft has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with Constellation to source carbon-free energy for its data centers from the Three Mile Island Unit 1 nuclear plant, which is now known as the Crane Clean Energy Center (CCEC). This agreement is part of Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to match the power consumption of its data centers in the PJM grid with clean energy, aligning with its broader carbon-negative goals.
The plant, which was decommissioned five years ago due to economic reasons, will now be brought back online to generate 835 megawatts of carbon-free energy, supporting Microsoft’s need for reliable, 24/7 power for its hardware-dense data centers, including those for cloud and AI operations.
Nuclear energy’s ability to deliver continuous, carbon-free electricity makes it uniquely suited to meet the growing energy demands of modern data centers, particularly as companies like Microsoft strive to decarbonize their operations. The CCEC will play a crucial role in addressing these energy challenges, using its robust output to power industries like data centers that require both high capacity and high reliability. As part of the project, significant investments will be made to modernize the facility, with operations expected to resume by 2028, pending regulatory approval.
This partnership with Constellation not only advances Microsoft’s environmental goals but also brings economic benefits to Pennsylvania. The restart of the CCEC is expected to create 3,400 direct and indirect jobs, contribute over $3 billion in state and federal taxes, and generate $16 billion for the state’s GDP. It highlights the role that nuclear power can play in the energy transition by providing scalable, low-carbon solutions for energy-intensive industries.
Key points:
• Power purchase agreement: Microsoft will source energy from the Crane Clean Energy Center (formerly Three Mile Island Unit 1)
• Energy output: 835 megawatts of carbon-free electricity for Microsoft’s data centers
• Timeline: CCEC expected to be operational by 2028 after regulatory approvals
• Economic impact: 3,400 jobs created, $3 billion in state and federal taxes, $16 billion added to Pennsylvania’s GDP
• Goal: Help Microsoft meet its carbon-negative targets while supporting reliable, always-on power for its data centers
“This agreement is a major milestone in Microsoft’s efforts to help decarbonize the grid,” said Bobby Hollis, VP of Energy at Microsoft. “Microsoft continues to collaborate with energy providers to develop carbon-free energy sources to help meet the grid’s capacity and reliability needs.”
