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Constellation Energy executive warns Three Mile Island grid connection may be delayed until 2031
Friday, March 27, 2026 at 02:23 PM
Constellation Energy reports that while the Three Mile Island reactor will be operational for power generation by 2027, grid connection constraints may delay electricity delivery until 2031. This poses a significant timeline risk for AI data center operators expecting dedicated carbon-free power from the site.
Context
At the CERAWeek energy conference on March 26, 2026, Constellation Energy executive David Dardis revealed that while the restart of Three Mile Island Unit 1—now the Crane Clean Energy Center—is technically on track for 2027, grid operator PJM Interconnection has indicated that a full grid connection may be delayed until 2031. Dardis stated that the company will be ready to produce electricity by 2027, but was told by the operator that necessary transmission upgrades could take an additional four years to complete. Following the report, Constellation Energy shares fell 3% as investors weighed the impact on the company's landmark 20-year power purchase agreement with Microsoft.
The project is a cornerstone of the AI supply chain, intended to provide 835 megawatts of carbon-free baseload power to fuel Microsoft’s expanding data center footprint. While Constellation remains in active discussions with PJM to accelerate the timeline and maintain its 2027 delivery goal, the preliminary 2031 estimate underscores the growing infrastructure bottlenecks facing the energy-intensive semiconductor and AI sectors. The U.S. Department of Energy recently supported the $1.6 billion restart effort with a $1 billion loan, highlighting the strategic importance of nuclear power in maintaining U.S. technological competitiveness.
Sources (9)
One Year Later: Crane Clean Energy Center Still in the Spotlight and Ahead of Schedule6 projects that helped Microsoft meet its renewable energy goal - SourceExclusive: Constellation exec says grid operator told company Three Mile Island can't connect until 2031 | ReutersEnergy Department loans $1B to help restart nuclear reactor on Three Mile Island | AP NewsCERAWEEK-Constellation exec says grid operator told company Three Mile Island can't connect until 20312027 restart of PA nuclear plant at Three Mile Island still on track ...TMI owners affirm 2027 restart date despite grid readiness questions - pennlive.comCrane Clean Energy Center — Dauphin, PA - Interconnection.fyi
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