Constellation Energy Corporation has announced that it is ahead of schedule in launching the Crane Clean Energy Center, just five months after finalizing a power purchase agreement with Microsoft to restart Three Mile Island Unit 1. Early milestones have been achieved in hiring, naming, equipment inspections, building upgrades, and securing necessary permits and licenses for the nuclear plant’s restart.
Economic and Environmental Impact
An independent study has estimated that restarting the facility will create 3,400 direct and indirect jobs, contribute $16 billion to Pennsylvania’s GDP, and generate over $3 billion in state and federal taxes.
“Every milestone reinforces our confidence that the Crane Clean Energy Center will come back stronger than ever, delivering 835 megawatts of carbon-free energy to the grid at a crucial time for Pennsylvania and the nation,” said Joe Dominguez, President and CEO of Constellation. “We are making significant progress in hiring and training workers, ensuring world-class safety and performance standards.”
Governor Josh Shapiro also praised the initiative, emphasizing the state’s commitment to clean energy: “Pennsylvania’s nuclear sector is vital in delivering safe and reliable electricity. My administration has been working closely to support the Crane Clean Energy Center, creating thousands of jobs and strengthening our energy infrastructure.”
Workforce Expansion and Facility Readiness
To date, Constellation has hired over 200 full-time employees for well-paying jobs, with many more recruitments expected in the coming weeks. The company aims to employ more than 600 staff members before the restart, alongside highly skilled contractors sourced from local unions. Training programs for reactor operators and senior reactor operators are already underway.
Facility enhancements are progressing as well, with the main office building fully restored and upgrades to the training center and control room simulator nearly complete. Among the recent hires are Tori and Quinn VanderMeersch, a married couple who previously worked at the plant before its closure. “After five years, it feels like coming home,” said Tori. “We are excited to be part of this new chapter and to return to the community where we started our family.”
Local businesses are already experiencing economic benefits from the project. “With just a few hundred workers on-site, area restaurants and businesses are seeing increased activity,” said Bart Shellenhamer, a member of the Londonderry Township Board of Supervisors. “We look forward to the positive impact this restart will have on the community.”
Inspections, Equipment Upgrades, and Regulatory Compliance
Critical inspections and equipment upgrades are on track to ensure a safe and efficient restart. Key components such as the steam generator, turbines, and condensers have undergone rigorous testing. One of the largest infrastructure investments includes the construction of three new main power transformers, costing $35 million and expected to be installed by 2026 with the help of American engineering experts.
On the regulatory front, Constellation has submitted an interconnection request with PJM to integrate Crane’s 835 megawatts of clean energy into the grid. The company is also meeting all licensing requirements with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). A name change request was filed on January 13 to officially rename Three Mile Island Unit 1 as the Crane Clean Energy Center, in honor of former CEO Chris Crane.
Community Engagement and Investments
Beyond economic development, Constellation is actively engaging with the local community. The company has committed more than $1 million in donations over the next five years to support workforce development and nonprofit organizations. Recent contributions include $25,000 to the Lower Dauphin Communities That Care Bookmobile and $2,500 to the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania.
Angela Durantine, Program Director of Lower Dauphin Communities That Care, expressed gratitude for the support: “Constellation’s contribution ensures that we can maintain and expand our reading programs for area youth.”
To keep the public informed, Constellation is conducting facility tours, community meetings, and outreach events. Additionally, the company has dedicated a section of its website to provide updates on the restart process.
Constellation Energy Corporation (Nasdaq: CEG), headquartered in Baltimore, is a Fortune 200 company and the nation’s largest producer of emissions-free energy. Supplying power to millions of homes and businesses, Constellation operates the country’s largest nuclear fleet and is committed to driving the transition to sustainable energy solutions. Follow Constellation on LinkedIn and X.