The $1.6bn Three Mile Island nuclear plant restart is facing major setbacks from delayed transmission projects. Multiple power line projects that have delayed for years could postpone the plant’s speedy restart unless federal energy regulators chime in. Providing grant waivers for the nuclear facility in Pennsylvania to connect to the grid could solve the problem. These remarks were noted by plant owner Constellation Energy during a recent filing.

The U.S. power producer is working to restart a reactor at the plant under the new name Crane Clean Energy Center. Furthermore, this is expected to be achieved by the end of 2027 under a contract to deliver electricity to the plant for use by Microsoft data centers. However, to connect to the grid, Crane will need approvals for the regional grid operator, PJM interconnection. Initial feedback from PJM noted multiple transmission projects would need to be completed. Nuclear power projects are advancing all across the U.S. such as Oklo Inc. unveiling plans to construct a unique nuclear fuel recycling facility in Tennessee. It is a venture that will provide more than 800 well-paying jobs and attract up to $1.68 billion in capital investment. Other energy projects also advancing include the proposed US-Canada oil pipeline by Bridger expected to replace the terminated Keystone XL.

Outlook on the Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant Restart

PJM remains steadfast that the Three Mile Island nuclear plant restart needs to wait for the multiple transmission projects to be complete. However, some of these projects have in-service dates of December 2030. The firm notes they would need to be completed before Crane’s more than 800MW of electricity-generating capacity can be delivered to the grid. These projects include hundreds of miles of new 765-kilovolt and 500-kV transmission lines as far ‌away ⁠as West Virginia.

Moreover, transmission lines which carry electricity from power plants and often cross multiple states are frequently delayed for years. “If those projects remain Contingent Facilities in Crane’s final interconnection agreement, Crane will not be considered ​fully deliverable — and ​its ability to ⁠provide capacity and energy will be at risk — at least until the end of 2030,”

Constellation said in ​its waiver request to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Constellation also noted that ⁠many of the projects have already been delayed for years and could be delayed further. It asked the FERC to allow it to transfer certain rights to deliver energy to the grid from Eddyston Generating Station.

Project Overview

• Project Name: Three Mile Island Restart (Crane Clean Energy Center)
• Project Type: Nuclear plant restart
• Estimated Cost: $1.6bn
• Capacity: ~800 MW+
• Purpose: Power supply for data centers
• Status: Delayed

Key Stakeholders

• Owner/Developer: Constellation Energy
• Offtaker: Microsoft
• Grid Operator: PJM Interconnection
• Regulator: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Location

• Site: Three Mile Island, Pennsylvania
• Country: United States

Scope

• Restart of nuclear reactor
• Rebranded as Crane Clean Energy Center
• Grid connection via new transmission
• Supply power to data centers

Funding / Delivery Model

• Private investment (Constellation)
• Long-term power offtake (Microsoft)
• It is also dependent on grid interconnection approvals

Status

• Stage: Development / restart prep
• Target: ~2027 restart
• Issue: Transmission delays

Key Risks & Challenges

• Delayed transmission infrastructure
• Regulatory approvals (FERC, PJM)
• Interconnection constraints
• Also timeline slippage to 2030+

Strategic Significance

• Revives nuclear generation capacity
• Also supports AI/data center demand
• Highlights grid bottlenecks
• Strengthens baseload power supply