Former Three Mile Island Reactor Eyes 2025 Comeback

The former Three Mile Island Unit 1 reactor, rebranded as the Crane Clean Energy Center, is progressing through its relicensing process with federal regulators, aiming to produce electricity again by mid-2025. Federal agencies, including FEMA and the NRC, are actively reviewing offsite radiological emergency preparedness plans and environmental impacts. These reviews are crucial for ensuring public safety and allaying concerns, particularly given the plant's history. Constellation Energy is undertaking a significant $1.6 billion effort to restart this reactor. The initiative is expected to create 600 permanent jobs and will contribute 835 megawatts to the regional electricity grid. This restart is distinct from the 1979 accident that affected TMI Unit 2, as Unit 1 continued operating until 2019 for economic reasons before its shutdown. Federal and state officials are collaborating with local emergency responders across six counties, including Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York, within the 10-mile emergency planning zone. Exercises are scheduled to test these preparedness measures. NRC officials provided updates on inspection activities, including cybersecurity and fire protection, and are finalizing an environmental assessment that found no significant impacts. Public input was gathered on draft assessments, with a Finding of No Significant Impact expected soon. Concerns were raised regarding the storage of spent fuel and radioactive waste, with assurances that most waste from the damaged TMI 2 has been removed, and remaining materials will be managed according to radioactivity levels.