Microsoft Strikes Deal to Reopen Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant
Three Mile Island, the site of the worst nuclear accident in U.S. history, is set to reopen thanks to a deal between Microsoft and plant owner Exelon Corp.
The deal, which was announced Tuesday, will see Microsoft invest $700 million in the plant, which has been closed since 1979. In exchange, Microsoft will get access to the plant's electricity and data center space.
The reopening of Three Mile Island is a major victory for the nuclear industry, which has been struggling to compete with cheaper forms of energy like natural gas and solar power.
It is also a win for Microsoft, which is looking to expand its data center footprint and reduce its carbon emissions.
The deal is expected to create 600 new jobs and boost the local economy by $1 billion.
However, the deal has also raised some concerns about safety.
Three Mile Island was the site of a partial meltdown in 1979, which released radioactive material into the environment.
Some critics worry that the plant is not safe to reopen, and that the deal could put the public at risk.
Exelon has said that the plant is safe to reopen, and that it has made a number of upgrades to the facility since the 1979 accident.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is currently reviewing Exelon's plans to reopen the plant.
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