Microsoft deal would reopen Three Mile Island nuclear plant to power AI

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🗞️ Driving the news: Microsoft has announced a deal to purchase 100% of the power from Pennsylvania's dormant Three Mile Island nuclear plant, slated to be reopened by 2028
• The agreement is part of Microsoft's efforts to meet the growing energy demands of its artificial intelligence operations

🔭 The context: Three Mile Island, the site of the worst nuclear accident in U.S. history, was shut down in 2019 due to financial difficulties
• The restart marks a significant move in the tech industry's quest for sustainable and reliable energy sources, as AI infrastructure requires vast amounts of electricity

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The reopening of the nuclear plant highlights the growing intersection of clean energy and AI development, as tech companies like Microsoft seek carbon-free power to support their data centers and AI growth while reducing reliance on fossil fuels

⏭️ What's next: If approved, the plant will come back online by 2028, and Microsoft will utilize all the energy generated for 20 years, potentially setting a precedent for tech-nuclear collaborations in the future

📈 One stat: Microsoft will buy 100% of the plant's power output for 20 years

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