In recent years, AI has been improving and evolving at an increasing rate. These improvements are being driven by computers and data centers that are increasingly becoming more energy-intensive and straining our already taxed electrical grid.
While wind, solar and other carbon-free energy sources are improving, our demands from the grid are quickly outpacing the supply. One solution is the use of nuclear reactors, which can produce large amounts of consistent power within relatively small footprints.
Working with Constellation Energy, Microsoft has recommended restarting the Unit 1 reactor at the Three Mile Island power plant. Many may remember the Nuclear Accident that occurred back in 1979. At that time, the Unit 2 reactor suffered a partial meltdown which has caused the facility to remain shuttered ever since. This accident, along with the infamous Chernobyl disaster, created a widespread fear of nuclear energy. Public support for building newer reactors never caught on, so far.
Unit 1 reactor is scheduled to reopen in 2028 and will sell the power it generates to Microsoft for 20 years. Each original control and safety system is being inspected and brought online. Additional systems are also being incorporated with the reactor controls to prevent possible incidents like those that occurred in the past.
These days, the increasing energy demand of new EV cars and trucks is not being offset by traditional means. With the repowering of this facility, as part of the recent climate bill to keep other plants across the country from shuttering, we’ll have new evidence in support of using nuclear energy more widely.
The additional funding and proposals for using existing reactors have finally started to spark some interest in the idea of constructing new reactors. It will be an interesting process to witness.
