In a landmark move to revitalize America’s nuclear energy sector, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has finalized a $1 billion loan to Constellation Energy Generation, LLC, paving the way for the restart of the Crane Clean Energy Center—formerly known as Three Mile Island Unit 1. This Pennsylvania-based nuclear facility, which ceased operations in 2019, is set to come back online, delivering reliable, carbon-free power to the grid and underscoring the Trump administration’s commitment to an
“American nuclear renaissance. “The Official Announcement from the DOE
The DOE’s Loan Programs Office (LPO) announced the closure of the loan on November 18, 2025, highlighting its role in lowering energy costs, enhancing grid reliability, and supporting economic growth.
The funding will cover a significant portion of the estimated $1.6 billion total project cost, with Constellation Energy planning to refurbish the 835-megawatt (MW) reactor. Pending approvals from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the plant could resume operations as early as 2027, marking the first reactivation of a shuttered U.S. nuclear reactor in history.
This initiative aligns with President Trump’s Executive Order on Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base, emphasizing the need for domestic energy independence and technological advancement. The project has also garnered support from tech giant Microsoft, which has committed to purchasing the plant’s output to power its data centers, fueling the growing demands of artificial intelligence and cloud computing.
Secretary Chris Wright’s Vision for Nuclear Revival
U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, a key figure in the administration’s energy policy, praised the loan as a strategic step forward. In his statement, Wright declared, “Thanks to President Trump’s bold leadership and the Working Families Tax Cut, the United States is taking unprecedented steps to lower energy costs and bring about the next American nuclear renaissance. Constellation’s restart of a nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania will provide affordable, reliable, and secure energy to Americans across the Mid-Atlantic region. It will also help ensure America has the energy it needs to grow its domestic manufacturing base and win the AI race.”
.@SecretaryWright: “We have far safer designs, operations, and experience today. Reactor 2, that had that failure, was long ago permanently shut down. This is Reactor 1 that ran all the way until 6 years ago… The U.S. needs more affordable, reliable, secure energy. People are… https://t.co/KvGZh8ksqA pic.twitter.com/hcXaB2BNHJ
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) November 19, 2025
Wright’s comments reflect his background as a proponent of fossil fuels and nuclear power, positioning the restart as essential for maintaining U.S. competitiveness in global innovation while addressing rising electricity demands from industries like AI.
A Smart Investment for the American People and Local Consumers
This $1 billion loan represents more than just financial support—it’s a high-return investment in America’s energy future. By reactivating the Crane Clean Energy Center, the project is expected to create over 600 well-paying jobs in Pennsylvania, from construction and engineering to ongoing operations and maintenance.
These roles will bolster local economies in the Mid-Atlantic region, particularly around Londonderry Township, where the plant is located.For American taxpayers, the benefits extend nationwide. Nuclear power provides baseload energy—consistent, round-the-clock electricity that doesn’t fluctuate with weather or time of day, unlike renewables such as solar or wind. Restarting this facility will add resilient capacity to the PJM Interconnection grid, which serves 65 million people across 13 states and the District of Columbia. This enhances energy security, reduces reliance on imported fuels, and supports domestic manufacturing by ensuring stable power for factories and tech hubs.
Local consumers stand to gain directly through lower electricity bills. The DOE estimates that the restart will contribute to reduced energy costs by injecting affordable, emissions-free power into the market.
In an era of volatile fossil fuel prices and increasing demand from electrification and data centers, this nuclear revival acts as a hedge against inflation, potentially saving households and businesses millions in the long run.
Power Generation Capacity: Fueling 800,000 HomesAt full operation, the Crane Clean Energy Center will generate 835 MW of electricity—enough to power the equivalent of approximately 800,000 average American homes.
This pressurized water reactor, designed by Babcock & Wilcox, has a proven track record of safe and efficient performance prior to its 2019 shutdown due to economic factors. Once online, it will produce carbon-free energy 24/7, contributing significantly to the nation’s clean energy goals while meeting the surging needs of high-tech industries.
Stabilizing Energy Prices in a Volatile Market
One of the most compelling aspects of this project is its potential to stabilize energy prices for consumers in Pennsylvania and beyond. Nuclear plants like this one offer predictable operating costs, insulated from the price swings of natural gas or coal. By providing a steady supply of baseload power, the restart will help balance the grid during peak demand periods, reducing the need for expensive peaker plants that drive up rates.
In the PJM market, where electricity prices can spike due to weather events or supply shortages, adding 835 MW of reliable nuclear capacity acts as a buffer. This not only prevents blackouts but also exerts downward pressure on wholesale prices, which ultimately trickle down to retail consumers. As Secretary Wright noted, this move ensures “affordable, reliable, and secure energy” amid growing demands from AI and manufacturing, helping to keep inflation in check and supporting economic stability for working families.
The restart of Three Mile Island Unit 1 isn’t just a nod to the past—it’s a forward-looking investment that positions America as a leader in clean, dependable energy. As the project progresses, it could serve as a model for reactivating other idle nuclear assets, ushering in a new era of energy abundance.
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